Sequoia National Park in California named a wildfire after Southern University student Andrew Leon who died this summer in a white water rafting accident during his internship as a volunteer fire fighter.
On July 30, the park discovered a lightning-caused fire in the southwestern portion of the park.
According to Jody Lyons, fire information officer, the park usually name fires after geographic features such as meadows, creeks or ridges that are close to the fire.
“In this particular case, fire managers chose to call this incident the “Leon Fire” in memory of Andrew,” Lyons said. “It might seem strange but it’s the fire community’s way of showing respect for someone.”
Lyons said the “Leon Fire” started as a single burning tree and grew to approximately one acre.
“While it remained small, it will now be part of the permanent record for our park.”
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California fire named after deceased Southern University student
October 28, 2003
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