Fatal South-Central Fire Investigated

As local and federal arson investigators sifted through the ashes of a South-Central building where a blaze claimed the life of Los Angeles Fire Capt. Joseph C. Dupee, department officials said Monday that they had started a trust fund for Dupee’s children, including a newborn son.

Dupee was killed early Sunday after he ordered his crew out of a burning dog food factory but became trapped when the ceiling caved in before he could escape. He was the first Los Angeles city firefighter to die on the job in 14 years.

A 17-year veteran whom colleagues and neighbors described as a dedicated father, Dupee and his wife, Julie, bought a house near Santa Clarita in November, according to property records. Julie Dupee gave birth to their son Caleb about two weeks ago, Capt. Steve Ruda said.

The trust fund has been established on behalf of Caleb and the Dupees’ elder son, Lucas, age 2. Contributions may be sent to the Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union, 1520 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91105.

Ruda said the department is not soliciting donations and warned of con artists posing as firefighters asking for money. “We always have those criminal minds who use this as an opportunity,” he said.

He added that he had spoken with Dupee’s wife and that she offered her thanks for the public’s support. He said that though she is deeply shaken, he believes that “her Christian faith is helping her cope with the loss of her husband.”

Funeral plans are pending, Ruda said.

The joint local-federal investigation into the blaze’s cause was continuing, with agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms joining the city Fire Department’s arson investigators at the site of the blaze in the Hyde Park district of South-Central.

Ruda said the cause remains unknown and that the area is still a potential crime scene.