Remembering 

A Big Bear Interagency 

HOT SHOT  


San Bernardino, CA__ September 22, 2020 ___

Regrettably, the USDA Forest Service/San Bernardino National Forest announced late Monday the death of Charles Morton. The Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss died while actively engaged in firefighting the El Dorado Fire, near Yucaipa and suppression operations, late Thursday, September 17, 2020. 

 Charlie, as his close friends named him… “was a well-respected leader, who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “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.”   


                      

        


 

Charles Morton 

Charlie was born on August 7, 1981, in San Diego, California. He started his career in 2002 as  Corpsman with the California Conservation Corps at the Butte Fire Center in Magalia, moving to  the 2006 fire season with Firestorm Fire Suppression in Chico. His 14-year Forest Service career began in 2006 with the Truckee Interagency Hotshots on the Tahoe National Forest. In 2007, Charlie then joined the San Bernardino National Forest working 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. 

The San Bernardino National Forest is grateful for the support that has been extended through this tragic event. Cards and condolences may be sent to the Morton family at: P.O. Box 63564, Irvine, CA 92602.

For FedEx and/or UPS: 1 League # 63564, Irvine, CA 92602 in care of Support for Charlie.   

The Morton Family shares, “Charlie is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, two brothers, cousins, and friends. He’s loved and will be missed. May he rest easy in heaven with his baby boy.”  

In His Honor…

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 a motorcade procession will begin at 10:30 A.M. from the main office of the San Bernardino  County Coroner in San Bernardino, Calif., and end at Ferrara & Lee Colonial  Mortuary in Orange, California.  

A U.S. Forest Service honor guard, along with the California Highway Patrol, will escort the fallen Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Charles Morton in a solemn procession to the mortuary in Orange County. 

   ​