The Forest Service said the firefighter was injured in Mount Hood National Forest and later died at a hospital

By Sophia Cossette
oregonlive.com

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. — A firefighter has died from injuries sustained while battling the Austin fire south of Mount Hood, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The firefighter was hurt Wednesday while suppressing the blaze in the Mount Hood National Forest, officials said. They were given immediate medical treatment and taken to a nearby hospital, where they died from their injuries.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the fallen firefighter’s family, friends, and colleagues,” the agency said. “The U.S. Forest Service is working in coordination with the fallen firefighter’s family and company they were working with at the time.”

The incident will be investigated, according to the Forest Service. The agency has not released the firefighter’s identity.

The Austin fire has burned over 12,000 acres in Mount Hood National Forest southeast of Estacada since breaking out more than a month ago.

The blaze is currently 36% contained, and Level 3 (go now) evacuation orders have been issued for areas close to the fire in Clackamas County.

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