Raymond Lee Oyler convicted of murder, arson in Esperanza Fire

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

A Riverside County jury today convicted an unemployed car mechanic of murder in the deaths of five U.S. Forest Service firefighters two-and-a-half years ago. They say Raymond Lee Oyler set the Esperanza Fire, and a string of other fires earlier in 2006. He could be sentenced to death.

http://www.scpr.org/news/stories/2009/03/06/22_arson_verdict__03060.html

Complete accident report here

http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_protection/downloads/esperanza_00_complete_final_draft_05_01_2007.pdf

The firefighters who died were overwhelmed by the fire when the winds shifted and blew the fire right towards them. They were trying to defend a house above Cabazon, which was ultimately lost. Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, 43, Firefighter Jess McLean, 27, Firefighter Jason McKay, 27, and Firefighter Daniel Najera, 20, were killed defending a partially-built, insured and vacant house. Fire Engine Operator Jess "Gus" Mclean and Asst. Fire Engine Operator Jason McKay died next to their fire engine without having time to enter it. Firefighter Danny Najera was found to the west of the structures they were trying to protect. The surviving two firefighters were transferred to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where Captain Mark Loutzenhiser succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving. The other firefighter, Pablo Cerda, 23, died at 5:08 PM PST on October 31, 2006 in Arrowhead Regional Medical Center from injuries he had sustained while fighting the fire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanza_Fire


I hope the families of the fallen can find some peace.


David