Man’s body found in S. Oregon wildfire area

Jackson County authorities said a man’s body was found Thursday in the area burned by a nearly 100-acre wildfire in Central Point Tuesday night.

Sheriff’s detectives said they are conducting a death investigation in the area of the Peninger Fire, but have not determined if the man died before or in the fire.

The body was spotted near Bear Creek and a suspected homeless camp late Thursday morning during a helicopter survey of the fire-damaged area.

Detectives are working to identify the man and will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause or manner of death.

Earlier in the day, Wasco County authorities released the name of a 64-year-old man who died Wednesday in the Substation Fire southeast of The Dalles.

Investigators believe John Ruby was using his tractor to create a firebreak to protect a neighbor’s property when he was overcome by fast-moving flames.

More than 200 fires are burning around Oregon as the Pacific Northwest’s wildfire season gets underway.