The substation fire has grown to 36,000 acres south east of The Dalles. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality Wednesday.
At about 1:30 p.m., Wasco County deputies found a body after responding to a call about a burnt tractor.
The body was nearby the machine and deputies believe the person died from exposure to the fire.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the person was likely the tractor operator and was trying to suppress the fire by making a fire line.
The agency is investigating the incident and is withholding the victim’s name until family members have been notified.
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