Oregon wildlife officer dies aiding Oklahoma wildfire evacuation
David Taylor, a 38-year-old wildlife officer and Navy veteran from Scio, Oregon, tragically lost his life on August 29, 2026, while assisting residents evacuate from the Railroad South Fire in Oklahoma. The wildfire, which burned west of Lawton, Oklahoma, destroyed five structures, injured three individuals, and prompted widespread evacuations. Taylor was reportedly helping a family leave their home when he lost contact with dispatch. Evidence suggests he died during the evacuation effort. The fire was contained at 500 acres, and its cause remains under investigation. Taylor was a senior chief petty officer in the Navy Reserve and worked at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. 
