Firefighter killed on the Thomas Fire

(UPDATED at 11:55 p.m. MST December 14, 2017)

CAL FIRE has released the name of the firefighter that was killed on the Thomas Fire in Southern California today.

CAL FIRE officials hold a press conference after the death of firefighter Cory Iverson in the Thomas Fire.

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(Originally published at 3:26 p.m. MST December 14, 2017)

A firefighter from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection was killed today while battling the huge Thomas Fire in Southern California. The family has been notified but no details have been released except that the victim was a male Engineer from the San Diego County unit.

“I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident,” Chief Ken Pimlott, the director of CAL FIRE, said in a statement. “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.

“More details will be made available as they are confirmed.”

Our sincere condolences go out to the Engineer’s family, friends, and co-workers.

Since the Thomas Fire started on December 4 it has burned 242,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. A few days after the fire started a civilian was killed in a vehicle accident during the evacuation.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

7 thoughts on “Firefighter killed on the Thomas Fire”

  1. I recently heard that this individual was coming off of a 30 hour shift.
    CAL Fire runs 24’s.
    Some of the word that I am getting from people I know who are on the fire and not federal employees is that most of the shifts have gone longer than 24 hours.
    Regarding the new norm, when is the thought process for 24’s in this environment going to get a second look?
    I mean no disrespect to the loss than many are feeling right now. While my words may come off as obtuse, they need to be separated from the accident that has yet to be investigated and reported to everyone else.

    Respectfully,
    Bob

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    1. I AGREE , BEING THE MOTHER OF ONE OF THOSE BRAVE MEN RISKING THEIR LIVES IN THE THOMAS/SANTA BARBARA BLAZING WILDFIRES 24-30 HOUR SHIFTS ARE TOTALLY UNREASONABLE UNDER ANY CONDITIONS NO LESS THE CONDITIONS THESE MEN ARE FACING RIGHT NOW . NOT TO MENTION THE TOLL ON THEIR HEALTH THAT THEY WILL UNDOUBTABLE FACE YEARS TO COME WITH THE TOXICITY OF THE AIR ALONE . SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THESE MEN AND PROVIDE AMPLE BREAKS AND REST BEFORE WE HAVE MORE FATALITIES . MY HEART GOES OUT TO THIS YOUNG MANS FAMILY , THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT COME TO MIND THAT CAN POSSIBLY EASE THEIR PAIN THIS YOUNG MAN WAS A HUSBAND , A FATHER ,A TRUE HERO THAT NEEDS TO BE HONORED AND REMEMBER AS A TRUE HERO .GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU BRAVE SOULS AND BRING YOU HOME SAFELY

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  2. The details of this incident or at least a general description as to how this tragedy happened have not been released. Is this the new norm ? was it medical issues or vehicle accident or fire fighter overtaken by flames.

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  3. CONDOLENCES TO THE FIREFIGHTERS FAMILY ..TERRIBLE TIMING AT THE HOLIDAY SEASON !!
    BEST THING IF WE HAVE THE WILLPOWER AND RESOURCES; IS TO BE PREPARED AND TAMP DOWN THESE FIRES WHEN THEY ARE 40- ,400 ACRES OR SOMETHING LESS ?
    THESE ARE MONSTERS WITH A MIND OF THEIR OWN AT 10,000 -40,000 ACRES!

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  4. My heart goes out to the family, friends and co-workers of this firefighter. God Bless you, and Rest In Peace brave soul.

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