FIREFIGHTER LOSES LIFE BATTLING MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX (NAME RELEASED)

Lane Co. Sheriff's Office

LCSO # 21-4768

The firefighter that died in the line of duty battling the Gales fire yesterday has been identified as 56 year old Frumencio Ruiz Carapia.  Ruiz Carapia, a Medford resident, was working along the eastern edge of the Gales fire when he was struck by a falling tree.  Despite the immediate efforts by those around him, Ruiz Carapia did not survive his injuries and died on scene.

Investigation has revealed that this accident was not the result of an active tree-cutting operation.  It appears that the involved tree unexpectedly snapped and fell to the ground. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened by this very tragic event.  We are thankful for the firefighters and support staff that work so hard to keep our communities safe.