Hotshot Killed In Inland Empire's El Dorado Fire Identified

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — The firefighter killed in the El Dorado Fire that has burned for more than two weeks was publicly identified Monday.

Charles Morton, 39, a Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss, died Thursday while engaged in suppression operations on the blaze, according to an announcement from San Bernardino National Forest officials.

“Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “Our hearts go out to Charlie’s loved ones, coworkers, friends and the Big Bear Hotshots. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

A search and rescue operation was underway late Thursday after Morton went missing on the fire line. By early Friday morning the USDA Forest Service confirmed his death, although the manner in which he died was not disclosed.

Morton was born August 7, 1981, in San Diego. He started his career in 2002 as Corpsman with the California Conservation Corps at the Butte Fire Center in Magalia, moving to the 2006 fire season with Firestorm Fire Suppression in Chico, San Bernardino National Forest officials said in an announcement.

His 14-year Forest Service career began in 2006 with the Truckee Interagency Hotshots on the Tahoe National Forest. He then joined the San Bernardino National Forest in 2007 and worked on both the Front Country and Mountaintop Ranger Districts, for the Mill Creek Interagency Hotshots, Engine 31, Engine 19, and the Big Bear Interagency Hotshots, the officials said.

"The San Bernardino National Forest is grateful for the support that has been extended through this tragic event," the announcement continued.

Morton is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, two brothers, cousins and friends, according to a family statement.

"He’s loved and will be missed. May he rest easy in heaven with his baby boy,” his family shared.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the Morton family at: P.O. Box 63564, Irvine, CA 92602. For FedEx and/or UPS: 1 League # 63564, Irvine, CA 92602 in care of "Support for Charlie."

The El Dorado Fire was at 60 percent containment Monday night with 22,588 acres scorched, according to Cal Fire.

Rock and debris slides along Highway 38 continue to be a threat to the fire perimeter, Cal Fire officials said.

"Fuels remain critically dry and receptive to spot fires. Containment lines remain at risk due to hot rolling material along the Highway 38 corridor," according to the agency.

The rock and debris slides forced the closure of Highway 38 between mile marker 16 and 17 to all traffic, but the roadway is now open to emergency vehicles.

For the public, Highway 38 between Bryant St. to the south and Onyx Summit to the north is closed.

Residents of Forest Falls and Mountain Home Village are allowed into their homes with proper identification. The areas remain under evacuation warning.

All other residents waiting to return home are asked to be patient. "We are re-evaluating repopulation daily with CHP, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The utility companies, and CalTrans continue repairing critical infrastructure," Cal Fire reported.

The entire San Bernardino National Forest remains closed.

Updated evacuation information can be found here.

In addition to the death of Morton, the fire has injured 13 people.

Four homes and six outbuildings have been destroyed in the blaze. Two more homes and four outbuildings were damaged.

Nearly 1,200 personnel are continuing to battle the fire.

Cal Fire officials said the fire was sparked Sept. 5 by a smoke-emitting firework used at a gender-reveal gathering of family members at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa.

Record heat and dry conditions helped the fire quickly spread north to the Yucaipa Ridge, fire officials said.

The Desert Sun reported that the family who planned the small gathering was cooperating with authorities.

Fire officials told the publication that the family called 911 after trying to extinguish the blaze themselves. They remained on the scene until firefighters arrived, according to the report.

Cal Fire Capt. Bennet Milloy said the blaze remains under investigation.

"Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible," Cal Fire officials said.

Milloy said investigators are testing the mechanism used at the family gathering to see if it's considered a "safe and sane" firework.

But he said "safe and sane" pyrotechnic devices are illegal in Yucaipa.

San Bernardino National Forest will share further information about the investigation as it becomes available, officials said Monday.