Arizona man remembered as fire reaches 52% containment
By ROGER M. RAEL
The Raton Range
CUNDIYO, N.M. — Federal wildland fire officials Tuesday identified the crew member who died after a medical emergency while supporting the Frijoles Fire as Randy Lupe, 62, of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona.
Lupe, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was serving as a Wildland Fire Service temporary emergency support crew member with the San Carlos Camp Crew. Although their work often receives less attention than fireline operations, support crews perform essential duties that keep a large incident functioning.
Officials said the medical emergency occurred Sunday, Aug. 23. Emergency personnel responded immediately and transported Lupe to a local hospital, but he did not survive. The Interior Department said it would not release additional medical information out of respect for his family.
“This loss is felt across the entire wildland fire community,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said. The Bureau of Indian Affairs said Lupe’s commitment and spirit would be remembered by the wildland firefighting family and beyond.
The department said it is providing support to Lupe’s family, coworkers and loved ones. His death has also touched the hundreds of people assigned to the fire and the surrounding communities that have watched crews work long days to protect homes, forest land and one another.
Tuesday’s update held the lightning-caused fire at 15,226 acres and placed containment at 52%, up from 45% Monday. Personnel decreased from 913 to 824 as operational needs declined.
Firefighters continue working remaining hot areas along the southern and northeastern edges while other crews repair dozer and handlines, address erosion, and remove equipment. Cundiyo, Cerro Piñon and Borrego Mesa remain in “Set” status. Nambe Pueblo Lake and Cordova remain in “Ready” status.
PHOTO CAPTION: Randy Lupe, 62, of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, died Sunday after a medical emergency while supporting operations on the Frijoles Fire. PHOTO COURTESY OF [INSERT SOURCE]
