San Diego, CA (October 27, 2006) – In 2003, the U.S. Forest Service sent members of its firefighting team to the Dehesa Valley to help protect the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation's reservation from the devastating Cedar fires, among that group of brave men and women were the firefighters that lost their lives this week to the Esperanza fire. As a tribute to their bravery, Sycuan has pledged $50,000 to the fund established to assist the families of the fallen firefighters. “The Sycuan tribe sends their deepest condolences to the families of the engine crew who lost their lives fighting to save others,” said Daniel Tucker, Tribal Chairman. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they go through this difficult time.” The Sycuan Fire Department has sent has sent both personnel and equipment to Riverside County to help battle the out of control fire. Riverside County officials on Thursday declared a local emergency as a result of the Esperanza Fire and will discuss plans to offer a $100,000 reward for information about the inferno when the Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday.
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