Identity Released of Wildland Fire Support Crewmember Who Died on Frijoles Fire in New Mexico

SANTA FE, New Mexico — Federal wildland fire officials are releasing the identity of a wildland fire support crewmember who died following a medical emergency on the Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico on Sunday, August 23.

Randy Lupe, 62, of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, was a U.S. Wildland Fire Service temporary emergency support crewmember on the San Carlos camp crew, which was supporting federal wildfire response on the Frijoles Fire. Out of consideration for the family, the Interior Department is not releasing additional medical information at this time.

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of a wildland fire crewmember who died while supporting firefighting efforts,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Every member of our wildland fire workforce plays a vital role in our emergency response efforts, and this loss is felt across the entire wildland fire community. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, friends and crewmates at this difficult time.”

The Frijoles Fire is currently estimated to be over 15,200 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest northeast of Santa Fe. It is 46 percent contained. An interagency complex incident management team is in command of the Frijoles Fire.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service is facilitating support for the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.

This loss is felt deeply across the wildland firefighting community. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Randy Lupe, wildland fire support crewmember