Cal Fire Engineer From San Diego County Dies Fighting Thomas Fire

SAN DIEGO, CA – A firefighter from San Diego County has died fighting the Thomas Fire, the fourth-largest in the state's history, Cal Fire officials announced Thursday. Cory Iverson, 32, of Escondido, died while battling the blaze near Fillmore in Ventura County.

The fallen firefighter was a fire apparatus engineer from Cal Fire's San Diego unit. He had worked with Cal Fire since 2009.

Iverson leaves behind his pregnant wife, Ashley, and their 2-year-old daughter, Evie.

"This incident has shaken our organization to the core," Cal Fire San Diego Chief Tony Mecham said during a press conference. "It has affected us statewide, but no more than here in San Diego County."

Iverson was assigned to the Thomas Fire as part of a five fire-engine strike team that left the county on Dec. 5.

When the fatality was first announced, Cal Fire's director, Chief Ken Pimlott, said IMT 4, Cal Fire Local 2881 and Southern Region leadership were "working to support the unit and his family."

"I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident," Pimlott said in a statement.

"More details will be made available as they are confirmed," he said. "In the meantime, please join me in keeping our fallen firefighter and his loved ones in your prayers and all the responders on the front lines in your thoughts as they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions."

Flags were lowered to half-staff Thursday at the Cal Fire San Diego headquarters in Rancho San Diego in memory of the fallen firefighter.

In honor of Iverson, Gov. Jerry Brown later announced that Capitol flags would also be flown at half-staff.

"Anne and I are saddened by Engineer Cory Iverson's tragic death," Brown said in a statement. "His bravery and years of committed service to the people of California will never be forgotten."

Local fire agencies and other city and county officials expressed their condolences for the tragic loss.

"Our hearts are broken at the news that we have lost a Cal Fire San Diego brother at the Thomas fire," San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Fennessy said on Twitter. "We send our prayers to the family and friends and also pray for the firefighters on the front lines still engaged in the fight."

The cause of Iverson's death was not immediately released. Cal Fire has assigned a serious accident review team to determine the circumstances and cause of death, Pimlott said during a press briefing, adding that "until this review is complete, there is nothing more I can share."

"What I can say is a heartfelt and deep thank you for the outpouring of support for Cory's family and the Cal Fire family," he said.

This is the second death linked to the Thomas Fire. A 70-year-old Santa Paula woman was found dead in her car along evacuation lines last week.

The blaze has burned about 249,500 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The fire has destroyed 972 structures and damaged 258 others since sparking Dec. 4 north of Santa Paula.

The Thomas Fire was 35 percent contained as of Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire.

"While we continue to process this tragic loss, we must keep our focus on the fire," Pimlott said. "The firefight in front of us continues to go on. The communities we are protecting are depending on us, and we will not fail."

A GoFundMe page has been launched in support of Iverson's wife, daughter and expected daughter. As of Friday morning, more than $70,000 had been raised.

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• Strong Winds Return To San Diego County
• Red Flag Warning Issued For San Diego County
• Lilac Fire Burns Out Of Control In San Diego County

Top photo: Iverson family via GoFundMe

Photo 2: AP Photo/Noah Berger