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Boy's body found alongside dog in wildfire tragedy

The body of a 12-year-old boy was found alongside his dead dog after he reportedly tried to flee a fire approaching his home.

Wildfires continue to ravage parts of the US and an Oregon family is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old boy, his grandmother and the family dog.

Wyatte Tofte and his grandmother, Peggy Mosso, were killed in the fire as confirmed by a Facebook post by the Enchanted Forest, a theme park owned and operated by the boy’s family.

Pictured is Wyatt Tofte who died alongside his dog in an Oregon wildfire.
Wyatt Tofte, 12, died as he and his dog tried to flee an approaching wildfire in Oregon. His grandmother, Peggy Mosso, also died. Source: Facebook

“We are devastated to confirm that Wyatt Tofte has not survived. He was found a short while ago,” the post said, adding the 12-year-old was “loved and adored” by his family and friends.

“His grandmother, Peggy Mosso, was also taken. She was also a loved and important member of our extended family.

“We ask for privacy and love right now.”

Wyatt’s mother also suffered burns in the fire and is in the intensive care unit (ICU), her sister, Lonnie Bertalotto, confirmed on Facebook.

“Don't take anything in life for granted and make the best of everyday,” Ms Bertalotto wrote.

A body of one of the victims was found in a vehicle, alongside the remains of an animal, US news outlet KGW8 reported.

Pictured is Wyatt Tofte's grandmother, Peggy Mosso, who also died in the Santiam Canyon wildfire.
The boy's grandmother, Peggy Mosso, also died in the Santiam Canyon wildfire. Source: Facebook

“I can say personally, and on behalf of all our first responders, our hearts go out to the family. The investigation as to the specifics around this loss of life is ongoing,” the sheriff from Marion County said, according to the news outlet.

Authorities in Oregon now say more than 500,000 people, or 10 per cent of the state’s population, statewide have been forced to evacuate because of wildfires.

The latest figures from Thursday evening (local time) come from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

More than 3,625 square kilometres have burned this week in the state.

More than 500,000 residents in Oregon have been forced to evacuate due to the wildfires. Source: AP
More than 500,000 residents in Oregon have been forced to evacuate due to the wildfires. Source: AP

Authorities say the wildfire activity was particularly acute on Thursday afternoon (local time) in northwestern Oregon as hot, windy conditions continued.

At a news conference on Thursday (local time), Governor Kate Brown said there had been fatalities, but the exact number is not yet known. There have been at least three reported fire deaths in the state.

with The Associated Press

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