In Memory of Charles Morton

U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Charles Morton, 39, died September 17th during firefighting efforts in the San Bernardino National Forest El Dorado fire.

Morton, who was a Squad Boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad, was separated from his crew during the pyrotechnic-sparked El Dorado fire. He was later found deceased and his name was withheld for several days pending notification to his family. An investigation is still underway to determine how his death occurred.

Morton had been with the Forest Service for 14 years, joining the team in San Bernardino in 2007. He 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.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.