Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 80,000 acres, forcing widespread local evacuations across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, which are located about two hours west of Fort Worth, Texas. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell is live in Graford, Texas with the latest.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A 38-year-old federal wildlife officer died while evacuating residents in Oklahoma.
- The officer lived a life of service, working for the U.S. Navy before his position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Five homes were destroyed in the Railroad South Fire.
OKLAHOMA – Tragedy has unfolded in Oklahoma after a federal wildlife officer died while helping combat the flames of the Railroad South Fire.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, reportedly helped evacuate residents threatened by the spreading flames.
“Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety,” the USFWS said.
Taylor’s last contact came while he was helping a family escape from their home amidst the threat of spreading flames from the Railroad South Fire, which stretches from Cache and Indiahoma.
Federal Wildlife Officer, David Taylor died while evacuating residents in Oklahoma amid a wildfire.
(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Facebook)
Evidence recovered at the scene shows he was helping a resident escape before he died during the heroic efforts.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Taylor dedicated his life to public service, having previously served active duty in the U.S. Navy before continuing in the Navy Reserve while also serving as a federal wildlife officer.
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Authorities said at the time of his death, Taylor was a senior chief petty officer in the Navy Reserve. During his 20 years of naval service, Taylor completed five deployments, including one to Iraq and four to Djibouti, Africa.
Taylor worked at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Wildfire burns near Weatherford, Oklahoma. April 4, 2023.
(KOKH FOX 25 Oklahoma City / FOX Weather)
According to officials from Comanche County-Lawton Emergency Management, the fire is currently under control and evacuation orders have been lifted.
Officials confirm that five homes in the area were destroyed.
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A formal identification from a medical examiner is pending. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
