Fast-spreading Oregon wildfire kills tractor operator
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A tractor operator was found dead in Oregon on Wednesday as wildfires continued to burn in The Dalles area.
Wasco County deputies were alerted to the body around 1:30 p.m., which was found next to a burned tractor, Fox 12 reported.
Investigators reportedly believe the operator was trying to create a fire line to subdue the Substation fire, which began to burn out of control Tuesday night.
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The victim's name was not immediately released.
By Wednesday, officials said the fire grew to 36,000 acres, prompting Gov. Kate Brown to declare a state wildfire emergency.
The governor warned that residents "should be prepared for an intense wildfire season this year ... given drought conditions and hotter than usual temperatures."
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Residents of Wasco County were ordered to evacuate Tuesday night, while additional evacuations were ordered for Sherman County on Wednesday. One home has been destroyed in the blaze.