Dixie fire fatalities: First responder dies battling northern California blaze

Dixie fire is among largest California wildfires

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Sunday, September 5, 2021
Nearly 900 buildings destroyed by massive Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire is running through forestlands as fire crews try to protect rural communities from flames that have destroyed hundreds of homes.

GREENVILLE, Calif. -- A first responder assigned to the Dixie fire has died, CAL FIRE announced Saturday in an incident update.

A representative with CAL FIRE told ABC sister station KXTV in Sacramento the individual was suffering from a previous illness.

The first responder was an assistant fire engine operator with the Lassen National Forest, according to a spokesperson. He died on Saturday.

Three other first responders battling the fire have been injured.

RELATED: Why scientists want to fight California fires with more fires

The Dixie Fire has burned more than 889,000 acres across five northern California counties, and is 56% contained, making it the second largest recorded wildfire in California history.

The video in the media player above is from a previous report.

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