Firefighter Who Died Battling El Dorado Fire Identified as Respected Squad Leader

By Dana Cruz Sep 22 2020, 08:09 AM EDT

Wildfires Burn Thousands Of Acres Across California — A firefighter keeps watch as flames advance along the Western Divide Highway during the SQF Complex Fire on September 14, 2020 near Camp Nelson, California. by David McNew/Getty Images

A firefighter who went missing while fighting the El Dorado fire has been found dead, authorities confirmed on Friday morning.

The firefighter was first reported missing on Thursday, but U.S. Forest Service (USFS) later revealed that the firefighter perished at the El Dorado fire. The agency said the incident took place on Thursday.

The firefighter was identified as Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss Charles Morton, the NBC Los Angeles reported.

He served as a firefighter for the Forest Service for 14 years. He started with the Truckee Interagency Hotshots on the Tahoe National Forest, officials said.

"Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times," said USFS Chief Vicki Christiansen said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to Charlie's loved ones, coworkers, friends and the Big Bear Hotshots."

In 2002, Morton also worked with the California Conservation Corps at the Butte Fire and moved onto Firestorm Fire Suppression in Chico.

Procession Held in Morton's Honor

A sad procession took place down the San Bernardino Mountains in honor of the firefighter's life and service, reported the CBS Los Angeles.

Members from the California Highway Patrol and local fire departments were there. They came from departments across Southern California and escorted the body down the highway.

Morton just celebrated his 39th birthday last month. He was a San Diego native as well, officials said. He was survived by his wife and daughter, parents, two brothers, cousins, and friends.

In the statement by USFS, his family said: "He's loved and will be missed. May he rest easy in heaven with his baby boy."

Cause and Location of Death

The USFS could not confirm where the death took place or if Morton had been away from the other fire crew. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department sent investigators to the scene of his death.

They also said the cause of his death is still under investigation. They assured that more details could be made available once confirmed. The USFS sent their deepest sympathies with Morton's loved ones.

The El Dorado Fire is a 22 thousand acre blaze. It broke out on the morning of September 5 and was caused by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic used at a gender reveal party, said KTLA.

It was 65 percent contained as of Friday evening. It destroyed four homes and damaged two others. There are still about 26,000 people who remain threatened by the fire.

It was more active on Thursday, jumping containment lines. So far, the fire remains contained in the south. It has not crossed the Highway 38 to the north.

"As of this update, the El Dorado Fire has NOT crossed Highway 38," USFS wrote in an update. The agency assured the public the fire crews were working on the area and are still monitoring the possibility carefully.

Evacuation orders are still in effect in various areas such as the Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, and Seven Oaks.

Big Bear was not given an evacuation order, but officials said residents have to keep a close eye out for updates.