Overview
- Randy Lupe, 62, a member of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, died from a medical emergency while serving as a U.S. Wildland temporary emergency support crewmember on the San Carlos camp crew.
- The U.S. Wildland Fire Service issued a statement expressing sorrow and support for Lupe’s family and crewmates, with Chief Brian Fennessy calling the loss deeply felt across the wildland fire community.
- The Department of the Interior said it will not release additional information about the medical incident but confirmed the agency is offering support services to Lupe’s family and coworkers.
- The Frijoles Fire near Santa Fe has burned roughly 15,000–15,200 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest and is reported about 46% contained, with federal, state and tribal crews assigned to suppression work.
- The death highlights the risks faced by tribal and temporary support crews on large wildfires and may increase scrutiny of medical response and crew support practices during prolonged fire operations.