See August 10th Update

Muchas Gracias to Tom Watson (www.fishinforthemission.com) for the great flight!

In the late afternoon on Saturday, June 26 a large plume of black smoke south of Loreto was visible for miles around. I resisted the urge to drive south and have a look, knowing that vehicles would be a hindrance to any possible fire-fighting efforts (there is just one 2-lane highway connecting Tripui and Loreto). I hoped it was someone burning trash.

I awoke at sunrise on Sunday, grabbed my camera and headed to Tripui. The rumors were true-almost the entire place was gone. The office and a few other common structures, as well as the one actual house in Tripui, remained standing…but everything else was just ash. It's difficult to verify, but there were probably about 100 trailers at Tripui at the time of the fire (there are 133 total spaces). The vast majority of those were not people just staying for a few nights as they traveled in RVS, rather "homes" (although not all permanent/year-round) for these people.

There is speculation that the fire was caused by a resident's cooking accident. Regardless of the origin, once there was fire, Tripui didn't stand a chance. Many of the trailers and outdoor areas were covered with "palapas"-regional thatched roofing made of palm fronds. That afternoon, a hot wind blowing from the mountains fanned the flames as numerous propane tanks exploded. While the response of the Loreto Bomberos was quick, some residents report that Tripui's water supply was turned off. I've heard that the entire place was engulfed within 10 minutes from residents who literally ran out with only the clothes on their backs

Although there were many things (and some beloved pets) lost in the fire, it is truly incredible that all residents got out safely. I have heard more thankfulness than complaints from the independent and strong people who lived in Tripui. Most Tripui residents have already returned to the US/Canada and all immediate needs (clothing, shelter, finances, etc) have been met by the local community. I heard one story of someone at Aeromexico removing the things in her purse to give the purse to a woman from Tripui (who was carrying her purse contents in a plastic bag), hotels and restaurants offering discounts and everyone being willing to helping hand.

I know everyone from Tripui would like to especially thank Bob and Sandy Martin, ex-Tripui residents who now live in Loreto. They opened them home as a headquarters after the fire, taking in a large group of people and hosting large dinners for all affected every night. They allowed everyone to use their phone line and were just wonderful all around.

About the Photos: This is one of the few times I have felt physically scared while taking pictures, and it definitely doesn't inspire creativity. As I wandered around Tripui (with some dazed residents) we noticed flames still burning in various spots, and the air was thick with ash…and the smell of gas. Indeed, we were all pretty nervous about exploding propane tanks. I spent about 2 hours taking photos, but then the smell and sadness of it all got too heavy.

See Hudson--the great dog I took care of after the fire!

Tripui Articles and Information

Worst Case Scenario - Western Outdoor News (July 2, 2004)

Tripui Follow-Up - Western Outdoor News (July 9, 2004)

Tripui RV Park Burns - The Log Newspapers 

Vagabundos Del Mar: www.vagabundos.com (click Hotbox Info)

Thank You Letter from Bob & Lynne Stevenson

Photos Page 1of 7
(click on any photo to go to a larger version)