Fallen Hotshot Crew Member Honored In Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —The body of an Orange County Hotshot Firefighter who died Thursday was taken to an Orange mortuary Tuesday via an honor guard from the U.S. Forest Service and members of the California Highway Patrol.

Charles Morton, a Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss, died Thursday while engaged in suppression operations on the El Dorado blaze. The San Bernardino County wildfire was sparked by gender-reveal pyrotechnics.

Charles Morton's body was transported from the San Bernardino County Coroner's Division to Ferrara & Lee Colonial Mortuary in Orange. Local firefighters lined the route, with some personnel standing at attention and saluting to honor his sacrifice.

Morton worked with a team of elite specialists in the most challenging, most remote areas of wildfires, according to officials. He went missing on the fire line and was later discovered by his peers. Authorities have not released details about his death.

He was born in San Diego and started his career in 2002 as Corpsman with the California Conservation Corps at the Butte Fire Center in Magalia. He began working for the U.S. Forest Service in 2006 with the Truckee Interagency Hotshots on the Tahoe National Forest, then joined the San Bernardino National Forest in 2007.

"Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times," U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen said. "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."

According to a statement from his family, Morton most recently lived in Orange County. He is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, two brothers, cousins, and friends.
Those who would like to send wishes or support for the family can send mail to P.O. Box 63564, Irvine, CA 92602.

The El Dorado fire broke out Sept. 5 near Yucaipa in San Bernardino County. As of Tuesday morning, the blaze had burned 22,588 acres, was 60 percent contained, destroyed ten structures, and resulted in 13 injuries, along with Morton's death, according to Cal Fire.

Read also:

Hotshot Killed In Inland Empire's El Dorado Fire Identified

Crews Gaining Upper Hand On Deadly El Dorado Fire

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.