Five years ago today, five firefighters were killed in the deadly Esperanza Fire, a devastating wildland fire that scorched more that 40,000 acres in California.
The Esperanza Fire started in Cabazon, California in Riverside County, and threatened the residences in the rural mountain community of Twin Pines. Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, with Fire Engine Operator Jess McClean, Assistant Fire Engine Operator Jason McKay, Firefighter Daniel Hoover-Najera, and Firefighter Pablo Cerda were killed when they became entrapped next to their engine during initial fire attack operations.
Visit our wildland section to read more about wildfires and wildland firefighting in articles such as Preparing For A Wildfire Season That Does Not End, Esperanza fire memorial can be seen online, and more. The accident report for this deadly event can be found on the Cal Fire Web site HERE.
