A federal wildlife officer from Oregon is believed to have died while helping people escape a wildfire in Oklahoma. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family leave their home.
The Railroad South Fire started Saturday, Aug. 29, in Comanche County between Cache and Indiahoma. By Sunday night, it had burned approximately 515 acres and was 30% contained.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified the officer as David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was helping a resident escape indicates that he died, but formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.
The fire also destroyed five homes and caused minor damage to two other structures. Three civilians were taken to a hospital, although their conditions have not been released.
His Last Contact Was While Helping a Family Evacuate
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Taylor was working at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge when the fire broke out. He joined other crews going door to door and helping residents get to safety.
The Department of the Interior said Taylor was still helping a family evacuate when dispatch last heard from him. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik said everything known about his actions showed “extraordinary courage and selflessness.”
Taylor Served in the Navy for 20 Years
Before becoming a federal wildlife officer, Taylor served on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He remained in the Navy Reserve and was a Senior Chief Petty Officer.
Taylor completed five deployments during his 20 years of naval service. One was to Iraq, while the other four were to Djibouti, Africa. He previously worked at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. He later joined Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Evacuation Orders Have Been Lifted
Approximately 200 responders from local, federal and tribal agencies helped fight the Railroad South Fire. By Aug. 30, the evacuation orders and roadblocks had been lifted, shelters had closed, and power had been restored.
KSWO reported that the Bureau of Indian Affairs was leading the remaining suppression work before returning command to the Indiahoma Fire Department. Crews continued watching for hot spots.