Wildfire Crew Member Dies in New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness

A support crew member assigned to the Frijoles Fire in New Mexico died Sunday after a medical emergency, according to the California Interagency Incident Management Team 8. Emergency personnel transported the incident-support worker to a local hospital and attempted lifesaving measures, but the person died. Officials have not released the individual’s identity, age, condition or cause of the emergency. The lightning-caused fire began Aug. 4 in the Pecos Wilderness and, by Aug. 24, had burned 15,226 acres and reached 45% containment, according to Santa Fe National Forest officials. Crews were strengthening containment lines, shifting resources toward active areas and preparing suppression repairs. Smoke and fire activity increased in eastern portions Sunday, while western containment improved. Some communities remained under Ready or Set evacuation preparedness statuses, and road and forest closures remained in effect.