LYONS, Ore. (NewsNation Now) — A boy and his grandma died in a wildfire burning near Lyons, Oregon.
A family member told NewsNation affiliate KOIN the 12-year-old boy was found dead after a day long search. Volunteers had been searching for him since he ran from his home as the Santiam Canyon wildfire approached on Tuesday afternoon.
The family member said his grandmother was also killed in the fire. The man said the boy’s mom was in critical condition at a hospital.
Deputies confirmed the news to the boy’s father Wednesday afternoon.
The identities of the deceased boy and grandmother have not been released. No other details are available at this time.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown called the rapid spread of fires a “once in a generation event” on Tuesday, when she approved emergency conflagration declarations that authorized the state fire marshal’s office to provide resources to local agencies battling the Beachie Creek, Lionshead, Holiday Farm and Alameda fires.
NewsNation affiliate KOIN contributed to this report.
