Firefighter dies from medical emergency during New Mexico wildfire

SANTA FE, N.M. (AZFamily/Gray News) — A San Carlos Apache tribal member and firefighter died while assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in New Mexico.

Randy Lupe, 62, from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, died from a medical emergency on Sunday. Officials said Lupe was a U.S. Wildland Fire Service temporary emergency support crewmember on the San Carlos crew.

"This loss is felt deeply across the wildland firefighting community," officials said in a statement.

San Carlos crewmembers were called to help federal and state firefighters battle the Frijoles Fire, which has burned more than 15,200 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest. Officials said the fire is 46% contained.

“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 U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service is offering support to Lupe’s family, coworkers and loved ones.