Buchanan Rx Fire Fatality 1993

The Buchanan Prescribed Fire was conducted April 20-23, 1993, on the Jemez Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico. At 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, a rapid, unexpected, short-duration increase and shift in wind caused the fire below Pajarito Peak Road to crown and move across the road. Sixteen people were involved in the fire shelter deployments and entrapments that resulted. Forestry Aid Frankie Toledo, member of the Jemez Pueblo, was above the road and did not escape the flame front, as he ran uphill towards a ridgeline. Evidence indicates he attempted to deploy his fire shelter but was unsuccessful; he passed away at the scene of the entrapment. Elsewhere, five individuals attempted to or successfully deployed fire shelters. These five individuals suffered minor burns. 

Escaped RX, Hand Crews, Burn Injury, Fatality, Prescribed Fire, Fire Shelter Deployment, Entrapment