A St. Paul Fire District firefighter died from injuries sustained in an explosion while battling a three-alarm barn fire early Thursday morning.
Firefighter Austin Smith, 30, was injured during an explosion at a poultry barn that firefighters responded to just after 4 a.m.
Smith was flown by Life Flight to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland where he succumbed to his injuries, according to KGW8.
"Today, I come before you with a heavy heart as we've been dealt a significant loss to our family, our department and the St. Paul community," Fire Chief Bryan Lee said during a briefing Thursday afternoon. "We in the community are absolutely heartbroken over this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family and friends as we all begin the grieving process."
The fire was located in a remote area and required tankers for water supplying, bringing firefighters from Aurora Fire District, Canby Fire District, Dayton Fire Department, Hubbard Fire District, Mt. Angel Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and Woodburn Fire District, according to KATU.
He started with the fire department in 2015 as a volunteer firefighter
Smith and his family have deep roots in the St. Paul community, 30 miles south of Portland. His family is help found the community's historic rodeo that takes place over July 4.
Smith leaves behind a wife and extended family.
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