***UPDATE*** FIREFIGHTER CRITICALLY INJURED IN EARLY MORNING EXPLOSION
Earlier this morning a volunteer firefighter with the St. Paul Fire District was critically injured after responding to a barn fire in rural Marion County. The firefighter was taken by Lifeflight to a Portland area hospital. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries.
The fallen firefighter has been identified as Austin Smith, a 30 year old from St. Paul, Oregon. Austin leaves behind a wife and extended family in the St. Paul area. He served with the St. Paul Fire District as a volunteer firefighter since 2015.
Investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. Current efforts are underway to ensure it is safe for investigators to enter the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Our thoughts are with the St. Paul community during this time as they mourn the loss of a dedicated community volunteer. Due to this being an active investigation, no additional information is available for release at this time.
St. Paul Fire District Chief Bryan Lee stated, “This is a tragic loss for our community and family. We are all heartbroken over this loss. We appreciate the support from the community and public safety partners during this difficult time.”
Out of respect for Austin’s family as they grieve this loss, they are requesting privacy at this time.
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