2nd person dies from Wednesday’s Lower Valley fire

The El Paso Fire Department has learned that Rito Contreras, 51, died Thursday, Aug. 23 at the burn center in Lubbock, Texas. The official cause of death is pending upon an official autopsy report. Contreras is the second casualty from Wednesday’s home fire on the 7400 Block of Sequoia Way.

Maria Concepcion Macias de Guerrero, 78, died Wednesday, August 22, 2012 while at the hospital.

“The El Paso Fire Department’s prayers are with the friends and family of Rito Contreras and Concepcion Macias,” Fire Chief Otto Drozd said. “It is regretful that El Paso has suffered its first two structural fire deaths in over a year. We will continue to stress the importance of smoke alarms and escape plans while we mourn this tragedy. This is a tragic loss for the City of El Paso and all those affected.”

Read Thursday’s article: House fire kills family’s matriarch