Esperanza Fire: Remembering those who died on 10/26/06

On a day when Santa Ana Winds are blowing in southern California with Red Flag warnings up, I want to pause and remember those who lost their lives fighting the Esperanza Fire in 2006. The Esperanza Fire was fueled by Santa Ana Winds. The fire eventually burned some 40,000 acres destroying 34 homes. Five firefighters died.

Let us pause and remember the five firefighters -- crew of San Bernardino National Forest Engine # 57 -- who died fighting that fire. Four died on the 26th, Pablo Cerda died on Oct. 31:

Capt. Mark Loutzenhizer, 43 of Idyllwild
Jason McKay, 27 of Phelan
Jess McLean, 27 of Beaumont
Pablo Cerda, 23 of Fountain Valley
Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20 of San Jacinto

We won't forgot you and our prayers go out to your family, friends, colleagues, and all those who love you.

Always Remember on the Espreanza Fire and the death of the crew of Engine 57.

Wildland Fire Hotlist Thread on remembering the Esperanza and Cedar Fires.

direct link to A tribute to USFS E57 video

One firefighter (Steven Rucker) died on October 29, 2003 fighting another Santa Ana Wind fueled fire, the Cedar Fire. I'll write more about that fire on October 29.