Wildland Fire Crew Member Randy Lupe Dies from Medical Emergency While Supporting Frijoles Fire Efforts
Randy Lupe, a 62-year-old tribal member from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, died from a medical emergency on Sunday while providing temporary emergency support for the Frijoles Fire in New Mexico. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy expressed profound sadness over the loss of Lupe, noting that every member of the workforce plays a vital role in emergency response efforts. Lupe served as a member of the San Carlos crew, which was called in to assist federal and state firefighters in battling the fire that has burned over 15,200 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest. The fire is currently 46 percent contained. In addition to mourning Lupe, crews have faced security challenges, including a security incident on Friday night where armed individuals attempted to intimidate crews. In response, the base camp now maintains 24-hour security. A new complex incident management team is expected to arrive later this week to replace the current California agency.