MADRAS, Ore. -- A Madras-area property owner was killed Monday afternoon in the crash of his ATV while working to protect his property from the fast-growing Brewer Fire, Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock said Tuesday

Sheriff's deputies and Jefferson County Fire & EMS medics responded shortly before 2 p.m. Monday to the reported ATV crash on private property at the north end of the Brewer Fire, which had grown to nearly 28,000 acres by early Tuesday.

Pollock said an investigation indicated that 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras "was taking measurable efforts to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire" at the time of the crash.

"While operating his personal ATV on steep terrain, Mr. Chiddix was ejected from the ATV, which subsequently overturned and pinned him beneath it," Pollock said in a news release.

"Friends who were with Mr. Chiddix rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and requested emergency assistance," the sheriff said.

"Due to the remote location, steep terrain and active fire conditions, emergency responders accessed the scene using off-road vehicles," Pollock said. "Despite the immediate efforts of those on scene and responding emergency personnel, Mr. Chiddix succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased."

The sheriff added that "Frontier 911 dispatchers played a critical role in coordinating the emergency response."

"Despite the remote location and difficult terrain, dispatch personnel were able to effectively communicate with those on scene, direct responding resources into the area, place Life Flight on standby, and coordinate the preparation of a nearby landing zone, should air transport have been possible."

Pollock issued the following statement for residents and fire crews to know:

"Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV. Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so. He was doing what some property owners that are impacted by the Brewer Fire have been doing, everything he could to protect the place he called home, and the memories that go along with his home."

"Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions," the sheriff added.

"Active wildfire areas present many hazards beyond the fire itself," the sheriff added. While encouraging residents to leave, Pollock said if a property owner "is working to protect their property," they need to "remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in these dynamic environments."