Frank Anaya
Frank Anaya, 22, was a Ventura County resident who worked on a conservation fire crew at La Cima Conservation Camp in San Diego County, where he was held in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). On July 5, 2017, while fighting a brush fire in Lakeside, he was badly cut on the leg and femoral artery by a chain saw, and he died at a local hospital on July 11 after several surgeries. CDCR said the injury was an accident, and Cal Fire and Cal/OSHA are investigating; CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan said Anaya "provided an invaluable public service" and helped protect communities from devastating fires. Accounts differ on whether Anaya was holding the saw when he was hurt.
Cause of death, as reported: Died in an accident. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said he accidentally cut his leg with a chainsaw while clearing brush during a wildfire, and Cal Fire and Cal/OSHA are investigating the incident.
Reported by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the agency that held him); Cal Fire and Cal/OSHA (outside investigators).
News reports (5)
- Inmate Firefighter Dies From Injuries Sustained in San Diego County
- California firefighter cut with chain saw dies from injuries
- 22-year-old inmate firefighter hurt in San Diego County blaze dies
- 22-year-old inmate firefighter hurt July 5 in Lakeside blaze dies - San Diego Union-Tribune
- LODD: 22-year-old inmate firefighter hurt in blaze dies