Inland Empire Mourns Firefighter Killed Battling El Dorado Fire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — The Inland Empire and officials statewide are mourning the death of a U.S. Forest Service firefighter killed while battling the El Dorado fire that has burned for nearly two weeks in San Bernardino County.

The USDA Forest Service confirmed the death with a statement early Friday morning: "USDA Forest Service officials on the San Bernardino National Forest have confirmed the death of a firefighter on the #ElDoradoFire. The incident took place on Thursday, September 17, 2020. The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time," the statement continued. "The cause is under investigation. More details will be made available as they are confirmed."

The firefighter, who served with the USFS, was being mourned by responders across the region.

"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with our USFS fire family during this difficult time," Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said in a tweet.

A search and rescue operation was underway late Thursday, after the "hotshot" firefighter went missing.

"California owes so much to the firefighters that put their lives on the line to keep us safe," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet. "This death is a stark reminder of that heroism. Our hearts are with this firefighter’s family, loved ones, and fellow firefighters during this tragic time."

Friday was an emotional day as the firefighter's body was transported from the fire line with a procession of first responders.

The El Dorado fire has burned 22,071 acres and was 65 percent contained as of Friday night. In addition to the firefighter death, the blaze has injured 12 people. Four homes and six outbuildings have been destroyed. Two other homes and four other outbuildings have been damaged.

More than 1,300 fire personnel are battling the blaze.

As of Friday night, evacuation orders remained in effect for Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and the Barton Flats/Jenks Lake Area east to Onyx Summit. Orders were lifted for the communities of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls, although the areas remained under an evacuation warning and access was only available to residents with ID.

The El Dorado Fire unified incident commanders continue to ask visitors to consider rescheduling planned visits to the Big Bear area due to fire activity.

Although Big Bear is not under evacuation, fire officials have asked residents to be keep updated. A travel advisory remains in effect for the area; more information is here.

The entire San Bernardino National Forest remains closed.

Highway 38 is closed between Bryant Street and Lake Williams Drive. Residents of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls will be allowed through the Bryant Street checkpoint. A hard closure is in place above Valley of the Falls Drive on Highway 38, the incident command center reported Friday night.

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.