62-Year-Old San Carlos Apache Crew Member Dies During Frijoles Fire Response
The 15,226-acre wildfire is 52% contained and managed by California officials.
Wildland firefighters announced Tuesday morning that 62-year-old Randy Lupe from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation has died while responding to the Frijoles Fire. Lupe served as a temporary emergency support crew member for the San Carlos camp crew. His death was confirmed as a medical incident following Sunday evening operations. Officials from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service stated that emergency personnel responded quickly and transported the patient to a local hospital but the patient did not survive the event. The exact cause of the medical event has not been released to protect the privacy of the family.
The fire burning northeast of Santa Fe is currently 52% contained on this 15,226-acre blaze. California Interagency Incident Management Team 8 is overseeing the response to this lightning-caused wildfire. The size of the fire has remained steady since Friday. Fire managers reported good progress containing the fire's western and northern edges where several small villages have been at risk. Crews continue to work on the eastern and southern ends of the fire to protect other communities and ensure the fire stays within its current footprint.
A total of 824 personnel are currently playing direct firefighting or support roles at the site. This number represents a decrease of about 100 people compared to the more than 900 crew members who were on the fire on Monday. Lupe was part of the support structure assisting containment efforts. The Wildland Fire Service expressed deep sorrow noting that this loss is felt across the wildland firefighting community and offered thoughts to all those affected.
Fire managers canceled a meeting that had been planned in Truchas for Monday evening in response to the loss. The event highlights the physical and mental toll on the workforce despite the fire's progress. The Interior Department indicated they are not releasing additional medical information at this time. This decision follows standard protocol when a crew member is identified to allow for family privacy during the recovery period.
The Frijoles Fire remains a significant operational challenge for the region. As the containment percentage holds steady at 52 percent the focus remains on safety for the residents in the path of the blaze. The dedication of crew members like Lupe is vital to these operations. For more details on the incident and the personnel involved you can visit the Frijoles Fire update page. The community continues to monitor the situation as the wildfire season progresses.
First reported by firerescue1.com.
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