Incident Name: Thomas Fire
Date: 12/14/2017
Personnel: Cory Iverson
Age: 32
Agency/Organization: CAL FIRE
Position: Fire Engineer
Summary:
Fire Engineer Iverson was assigned to the Thomas Fire near Fillmore, California. He and a crew of four firefighters were engaged in the placement of a hose lay in support of dozer line with fire above the dozer line. At approximately 0927 hrs, while attempting to control fires below the dozer line, Fire Engineer Iverson became entrapped. He suffered fatal burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
Photo compliments of CAL FIRE
Maps
Incident Location: Vicinity of Fillmore, California (U.S. National Grid: 11S LU 24 08)
Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- THOMAS FIRE PRESS RELEASEI am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident. The incident is still unfolding, but in this world of fast moving information, it is important to me that only factual information be shared.To that end, I can confirm a fatality of a CAL FIRE Engineer from the San Diego Unit has occurred.IMT 4, CAL FIRE Local 2881 and Southern Region leadership are working to support the Unit and his family, who have been notified.More details will be made available as they are confirmed. 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.
Chief Ken Pimlott,
CAL FIRE Director
SAFETY MESSAGE
The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and evacuation orders. Please drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel in the area. As you re-enter your property, be aware hazardous conditions may still exist.
- Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of San Diego FirefighterGovernor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Engineer
Published: Dec 14, 2017SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Engineer Cory Iverson:
“Anne and I are saddened by Engineer Cory Iverson’s tragic death. His bravery and years of committed service to the people of California will never be forgotten.”
Engineer Iverson, 32, of Escondido, died today while fighting the 242,500-acre Thomas Fire near Fillmore in Ventura County. Engineer Iverson was an 8-year veteran of CAL FIRE.
He is survived by his wife, Ashley, who is pregnant, and their two-year-old daughter, Evie; mother, Denise Butler; stepfather, Scott Butler; and father, Craig Iverson.
In honor of Engineer Iverson, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
- Thomas Fire Green Sheet (72 Hour Report) at WildfireLessons.net: Use the search function to find “Thomas Fire Entrapment”, then find the Green Sheet (Report).
Wildlandfire.com Links:
Media Articles and Reports
- Incredible tribute for fallen firefighter lines 200 miles of California highway; Firefighters and citizens alike could be seen for miles and miles, honoring the funeral procession of fallen firefighter Cory Iverson.12/18/17 | Today Show
A funeral procession for a fallen California firefighter covered 203 miles on Sunday, and not a single mile went by without citizens and fellow firefighters lined up to pay their respects.
Cory Iverson, 32, a Cal Fire Engineer from Escondido, died from smoke inhalation on Dec. 14 while battling a fire in Fillmore, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter. (More at the link…)
- Nearly 2,000 pay tribute to fallen firefighter Cory Iverson
12/23/17 | LA TimesFriends, family and fellow firefighters bade an emotional farewell Saturday to Cory Iverson, the 32-year-old San Diego County fireman who died battling the Thomas fire nine days ago near Fillmore.
About 1,800 filled the Rock Church in Point Loma to hear eulogies, highlighted by a promise from his widow, Ashley. (More at the link…)
Photos, Videos, & Tributes
- Invitation to the Celebration of Life of Cory IversonMEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICE ARE INVITED TO THECELEBRATION OF LIFE
CAL FIRE ENGINEER
CORY IVERSON
ROCK CHURCH
2277 ROSECRANS STREET
SAN DIEGO CA, 92106
SATURDAY DECEMBER 23, 2017
FOR
ALL UNIFORMED PERSONNEL ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BY 8:00 AM
A LIVESTREAM OF THE CELEBRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.SDROCK.COM/IVERSON
CLASS A UNIFORM DRESS CODE
FOR INFORMATION CALL: (619) 494-1353
10:00AM - Followup to the Fire Protection Memorial for Cory Iverson
- USFA Memorial Database: Cory Iverson
- Go Fund Me: beneficiaries are Cory’s wife and daughter(s)
Cory, his pregnant wife and daughter
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