Arson-Set Esperanza Fire That Killed Engine 57 Crew Was 5 Years Ago Today

The Esperanza Fire that burned more than 60 square miles in and above the Pass, destroyed 34 homes and 20 outbuildings, and resulted in the deaths of five U.S. Forest Service firefighters started five years ago today.

The arson-set fire started in Cabazon near Esperanza Avenue early that morning, burned up a drainage into Twin Pines, and fatally injured the crew of Engine 57, who were set up to protect a vacant home on Gorgonio View Road.

Fatally injured in the wind-driven firestorm that day were Capt. Mark Loutzenhiser, 43, Pablo Cerda, 24, Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20, Jason Robert McKay, 27, and Jess Edward McLean, 27.

Raymond Lee Oyler, a mechanic with ties to Cabazon, Banning and Beaumont, was convicted in March 2009 of five counts of murder, and sentenced to death.

As part of the remembrance of the five fallen firefighters, the San Jacinto Ranger District on Saturday honored the other firefighters who took part in the first response and recovery effort on Oct. 26, 2006. The event was held in Garner Valley, near Idyllwild and Mountain Center.