EBS STAFF
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Aug. 25 to include additional details about the firefighter’s identity.
A firefighter actively fighting the Bivens Creek Fire in the Tobacco Roots has died, according to an Aug. 24 press release from the U.S. Forest Service.
Ruben Gonzales Romero of Keizer, Oregon, suffered a cardiac emergency on Sunday afternoon while actively involved in fire suppression on the ground. A line paramedic issued resuscitation attempts immediately but they were unsuccessful.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” stated the release. “ The wildland fire community is inherently interagency, and a line of duty death impacts us all. We deeply appreciate this firefighter’s dedication to his profession and to the communities threatened by wildland fire.”
Ruben was a veteran wildland firefighter with over 20 years of experience, according to an updated press release. He was currently on a Type 2 crew with TJ Contracting LLC and served as a sawyer, a firefighter who fells trees and brush. He “brought significant experience and wisdom to the fire line and the people with whom he worked,” stated the release. “We rest a little more comfortably knowing that he died doing what he loved.”
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be investigating the death and support is being provided to wildland firefighters and friends on the Bivens Creek and Cloudrest Fires. As of Aug. 24, the Bivens Creek Fire is 2,242 acres in size and 0% contained.
