Esperanza Fire
| Esperanza Fire | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Near Cabazon, California |
| Statistics | |
| Date(s) | October 26, 2006 1:12 a.m. (PDT) |
| Burned area | 40,200 acres (163 km²) |
| Cause | Arson |
| Land use | Mixed use |
| Fatalities | 5 |
| Perpetrator(s) | Raymond Lee Oyler |
The Esperanza Fire was a wind-driven, arson-caused wildfire started on October 26, 2006, in a river wash near Cabazon, California, west of Palm Springs, California. By October 29, 2006, it burned over 61 square miles (160 km²) and was 85% contained. On October 30, 2006, the fire was fully contained.
Five firefighters were killed defending a vacant house locally known as the "Octagon" that was ultimately destroyed by the fire: Jason McKay, Jess McLean, Daniel Najera, Mark Loutzenhiser, and Pablo Cerda.
In June 2009, Raymond Lee Oyler was sentenced to death for starting the fire.
The fire was started on October 26, 2006, reported near the intersection of Bonita Avenue and Elm Street in Cabazon at 1:11 a.m. It eventually burned an estimated 40,200 acres (163 km²) before containment. The fire caused the deaths of five firefighters, and destroyed 34 houses and 20 outbuildings, as well as damaging the pavement of State Route 243. The damage the fire caused is estimated at more than $9 million, and was the worst wildfire since 1994.
The fire spread rapidly in moderate Santa Ana winds and flammable brush due to the fire's proximity to the Chaparral biome, charring 24,000 acres (97 km²) in 18 hours. In comparison, the Ventura County Day Fire burned 24,000 acres (97 km²) in two weeks. There were reports that smoke from the fire could be smelled as far away as San Diego.
The firefighters who died were overwhelmed by the fire when the winds shifted and blew the fire towards them. They were trying to defend a house above Cabazon, which was ultimately lost. Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, 43, from Idyllwild, California; Fire Engine Operator Jess "Gus" McLean, 27, from Beaumont, California; Assistant Fire Engine Operator Jason McKay, 27, from Apple Valley, California; Firefighter Pablo Cerda, 23, from Fountain Valley, California; and Firefighter Daniel Hoover/Najera, 20, from San Jacinto, California, were killed defending the "Octagon House".
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