ELK, Wash. – It’s been almost five months since Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Brittan Morgan escaped ‘hell on earth.’ Now, Morgan is nominated for a RISE Award for his heroic actions during the Oregon Road Fire.
On Aug. 18, 2023, around 4 p.m., a wildfire broke out near East Oregon Road and East Frideger Road. The fire was fast-moving and proving to be highly destructive. The blaze grew to 10,817 acres, destroying an estimated 120 homes and over 250 buildings. One person died in connection to the fire.
Deputy Morgan was one of many who assisted with the level 3 evacuations throughout Elk. Morgan turned on his body camera while attempting to save a man. The man refused to leave as he was worried about his animals, and Morgan ran back to his patrol car as he notified his partner that they needed to leave.
“Come back down that road now, it’s coming our way,” Morgan said.
Deputy Morgan’s video shows the hellish escape and what it was like for him and Deputy Nave.
“Hurry the [expletive] up, Nave! I don’t want to die in this [expletive],” Morgan screamed. “Eat my [expletive], fire! You’re not getting me today, [expletive]!”
The two deputies escaped the fire, followed by the same man who attempted to save his animals.
“I’m sad for your horses, bro, but I’m glad you’re alive,” Morgan said as he consoled the man. He directed the man and others emerging from the flames to safety.
To vote for Deputy Morgan for his actions in the 2024 RISE Awards, visit the Axon Awards website and click “Vote Now.”
