Man killed in Bowers Fire in Cochise County after he tried to stop spreading flames
COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. - An 81-year-old man died from injuries he sustained while trying to prevent a fire from spreading on his property in Cochise County, the sheriff's office said.
That fire is known by authorities as the Bowers Fire. So far, it's burned 28 acres and is 30% contained.
The fire started on the evening of Monday, April 22, when the sheriff's office said, "81-year-old Neil Edward Hesse, and his 52-year-old son (Will) were at their residence on Bowers Road working with a grinder when sparks initiated a brush fire."
When sheriff's deputies arrived to the burning flames, they apparently heard several explosions, which were identified as propane tanks that were stored on the property.
"As the two men attempted to contain the fire, both received serious burn and smoke injuries resulting in transport to Tucson hospitals for care," Cochise County Sheriff's Office said.
Just before noon on April 23, the sheriff's office got word that Hesse didn't survive his injuries.
Evacuations for this fire were in place, but they've since been lifted.
Family of Bowers Fire victim remarks on his life
Life changed in a moment for the family in Cochise County.
"They had taken precautions, they had hoses out there, they were in the dirt away from the leaves, but a spark flew onto a pile of leaves and caught them on fire," Caty Russell said.
The fire burned much of Neil's body.
Caty, Neil's stepdaughter, and the sister of Will, described the horrific moment.
"He went into the house to grab his phone and my brother didn't know he had gone in, and when my brother finally saw him coming back out of the house, my dad was on fire," she said.
Will carried his dad a quarter of a mile for help. Neil was then air lifted to the hospital, but his injuries were too severe. Neil passed away.
"He was the most amazing person. To meet him was to absolutely love him right from the start. He would give anybody the shirt right off his back even if he didn't know you," she said.
Will is continuing to recover from his injuries.
"It's just a lesson that we all have to learn. In Arizona, no matter what precautions you take, fire is real, and it catches quickly, on dry grass, dry leaves, dry wood," Caty said.
The family is mourning the rock of their family, but cherishing the memories made together.
"I just want everybody to remember, it's just stuff. It can be replaced, people are forever, just hold your loved ones close," she said.
Map of the area where the fire started:
