We now have the name of a firefighter who died of an illness while responding to the Dixie Fire. The U.S. Forest Service says he is Marcus Pacheco, an assistant fire engine operator for Lassen National Forest, who had three decades of experience. It’s unclear whether the illness he suffered was related to the Dixie Fire. Pacheco. The massive fire now spans 1.4 million acres with containment at or around 56%. U.S. Army soldiers from Washington state are now helping firefighters battle the fire that’s destroyed 1,300 homes and structures in five counties.