Firefighter who died fighting Thomas Fire became trapped by flames
UPDATE: 1/11/2018 1:56 p.m. Fire officials said a state firefighter who died battling the largest wildfire recorded in California’s modern history was putting out a spot fire when he found himself trapped by the flames.
A preliminary report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection found 32-year-old Cory Iverson died battling the Thomas Fire last month in Ventura County after becoming trapped in a dead-end gulch.
Cal Fire said in the report released Tuesday that Iverson was surrounded by spot fires in windy conditions.
It said Iverson and four other firefighters were laying hose along a bulldozer-created fire break when they turned their attention to a spot fire flared up about 20 feet deep. More spot fires broke out almost simultaneously, cutting off his escape route.
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12/15/2017 9:57 a.m. KEYT-The firefighter that lost his life battling the Thomas Fire has been identified as 32-year-old Cory Iverson of Escondido, San Diego County. Cory was a Cal Fire engineer.
Iverson is survived by his wife, Ashley, who is pregnant, and their 2-year-old daughter.
No further details were released. We will update this story when new information becomes available.
KEYT-Sadly, one firefighter was killed in the line of duty fighting the Thomas Fire. The news was confirmed by Unified Command early Thursday afternoon.
“The incident is still unfolding, but in this world of fast moving information, it is important to me that only factual information be shared. To that end, I can confirm a fatality of a CAL FIRE Engineer from the San Diego Unit has occurred. IMT 4, CAL FIRE Local 2881 and Southern Region leadership are working to support the Unit and his family, who have been notified,” stated a news release by Unified Command.
It is believed the incident occurred in the Fillmore area in Ventura County. Flags will be flown at half-staff.
No further details were immediately known. We will update this story when new information becomes available.
