Calif. report: Engineer trapped by flames before death in Thomas fire
Cory Iverson
Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Funeral procession for California firefighter   0:47 A funeral procession was held for a firefighter killed while battling the colossal wildfire that's still threatening homes in Southern California. An autopsy found Cory Iverson died from burns and smoke inhalation. (Dec. 18) AP 1 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Firefighter dies  thousands take on Calif. blaze   1:27 Cory Iverson  a San Diego-based firefighter who was one of the thousands fighting the blaze northwest of Los Angeles  died Thursday. A review team will investigate what happened. (Dec. 15) AP 2 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Over 6 000 firefighters battling southern California blaze   0:49 Over 6 000 firefighters battling southern California blaze Video provided by AFP Newslook 3 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California wildfire threatens thousands of homes   0:56 California's biggest wildfire has burned through at least 362 square miles and has destroyed at least 683 homes. Thousands of homes are threatened as strong wind pushes the blaze through bone-dry land. (Dec. 12) AP 4 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Crews light backfires to control Calif. Fires   1:12 Firefighting crews are lighting backfires to burn away dry vegetation and contain the massive fire that has burned at least 362 square miles northwest of Los Angeles. (Dec. 12) AP 5 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Flames churn through Santa Barbara region   1:43 Tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes as flames churn through foothill towns near Santa Barbara  the latest flare-up after a week of wildfires throughout the region. (Dec. 11) AP 6 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Giant California wildfire spreads northwest   1:02 California's largest and most destructive wildfire has spread beyond Ventura County and forced evacuations in some coastal parts of Santa Barbara County  to the northwest. The fire has burnt at least 270 square miles. (Dec. 11) AP 7 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires force Californians to buy smoke masks   1:09 California fire officials anticipate fires will keep growing due to gusty winds  no rain and decades-old dry vegetation. The biggest fire burned at least 270 square miles northwest of Los Angeles  where people are buying masks for the smoke. (Dec. 11) AP 8 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS High winds expected to increase fire threat   0:40 Forecasters say high winds will bring rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. USA TODAY 9 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Displaced horses from wildfires find shelter   1:29 Horses and other animals displaced by the Lilac fire in San Diego County find shelter at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Southern California. USA TODAY 10 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfire Ravages Calif. Retirement Community   1:04 Firefighters were still working in communities north of San Diego Friday that were hit by a fast-moving wildfire. The blaze tore through the area Thursday as powerful winds are still fanning flames across Southern California. (Dec. 8) AP 11 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire and smoke dominate Southern California skylines   1:05 Wildfires continue to destroy land and homes in Southern California. Months of dry conditions and whipping Santa Ana winds have created the perfect equation for devastation. USA TODAY 12 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Newest California fire burns 65 structures   0:55 At least 65 structures have been destroyed by a wildfire in semi-rural north San Diego County. Cal Fire also says there's still no containment of the fire early Friday. Trees were charred for miles along Highway 76. (Dec. 8) AP 13 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Calif. wildfire forces evacuations along coast   1:02 California's biggest wildfire forced evacuations in Faria Beach  a small community on the coast between Ventura and Santa Barbara. (Dec. 8) AP 14 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Biggest California fire burns 180 Sq. miles   0:55 The massive wildfire in Ventura County  north of Los Angeles  grew to 180 square miles and destroyed more than 400 buildings by late Thursday. It's forcing the evacuation of communities between Ventura and Santa Barbara. (Dec. 8) AP 15 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire near San Diego destroys 20 structures   1:14 A Cal Fire Division Chief says a fire near San Diego destroyed 20 homes and damaged 12 more. The fire tore through mobile homes in a retirement community. The blaze is heading west towards the Ocean  threatening Oceanside and Camp Pendleton. (Dec. 8) AP 16 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California wildfires cause people and their animals to flee   1:06 Four active wildfires in southern California have caused people and pets alike to seek shelter. USA TODAY 17 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires sweeping Southern California put millions on edge   0:59 Six separate wildfires are threatening millions of people in one of the country's most densely populated areas. USA TODAY 18 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS LA Mayor: Fire near downtown 20 percent contained   2:41 Firefighters continue battle to control the Skirball Fire near downtown Los Angeles. The blaze is 20 percent contained around 475 acres with flare ups in the Bel-Air Crest area. (Dec. 7) AP 19 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Highway travel disrupted by Calif. wildfire   1:52 Authorities closed a major freeway Thursday as flames from the Southern California wildfire jumped lanes and threatened beach front homes. (Dec. 7) AP 20 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Former Cardinals Pitcher Anthony Reyes Fighting California Wildfires   0:45 Anthony Reyes  best known for pitching the Cardinals to a Game 1 victory in the 2006 World Series  is on the front lines fighting the Californian wildfires. Time_Sports 21 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Man rescues rabbit from California wildfire   0:37 One brave man has become a viral hero after witnesses captured him coming extremely close to danger himself while rescuing a rabbit from the wildfires ravaging California Time 22 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire victim: 'This is what's left of our house'   1:31 Darlene Jordon has lived in this home above the city of Ventura  California  for more than two decades. Her house was filled with memories and souvenirs. But itâs all gone now after a raging wildfire reduced it to ash and rubble. (Dec. 7) AP 23 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Dramatic L.A. wildfire video looks like driving into hell   0:45 This was startling scene along Interstate 405 in Los Angeles as a wildfire engulfed the hills. USA TODAY 24 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Crews fight to Save Bel-Air homes from fire   1:09 Flames erupted Wednesday in Los Angeles' exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood as multimillion-dollar houses and modest tract homes alike came under siege from an outbreak of wind-whipped wildfires across Southern California. (Dec. 6) AP 25 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Powerful winds boost California fire danger   1:00 Southern California officials are warning of unprecedented dangerous winds on Thursday  with gusts possibly reaching 80 mph. The region is dealing with several massive wildfires that have around 200 000 under evacuation orders. (Dec. 7) AP 26 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Devastating wildfires strike Southern California   1:49 At least one person has died as a result of the fast-spreading wildfire plaguing more than tens of thousands of acres in southern California Time 27 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Southern California wildfire has forced thousands to evacuate   0:24 Ferocious winds in Southern California whipped up an explosive wildfire that forced thousands of homes to evacuate and could soon threaten a city of more than 100 000  authorities said. Time 28 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Calif. Evacuees Stunned By Wildfire Devastation   1:15 Residents of Santa Rosa  California were allowed to return Friday to areas ravaged by recent wildfires. Officials say more than eight thousand structures were destroyed by flames that tore through the region in Northern California. (Oct. 20) AP 29 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Motorists witness wildfire near L.A. freeway   1:06 Dramatic cell phone video along a busy Los Angeles freeway shows flames from a raging wildfire burning along hillsides early Wednesday. Officials say hundreds of structures may have been lost in wildfires burning across Southern California. (Dec. 6) AP 30 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Firefighters battle flames just feet from LA homes   0:51 Firefighters in southern California are working overtime to protect homes in Los Angeles. A new wildfire broke out in some of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods  which includes the upscale Bel Air Estates. USA TODAY 31 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires turn California freeway into wall of flames   0:41 As drivers headed down the 405 freeway  they were met with giant flames from the several fires burning in Southern California. USA TODAY 32 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS People  animals flee California wildfire   1:29 Nearly 200 000 people have been told to evacuate from three massive wildfires in southern California. Many people fleeing the flames are bringing along their animals. (Dec. 6) AP 33 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires destroy homes across southern Calif.   2:21 Wildfires driven by winds approaching hurricane force swept across Southern California Monday night into Tuesday  scorching thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of structures - from Ventura County to communities north of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 34 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Officials urge southern Calif. residents to flee homes   1:27 Authorities are urging tens of thousands of people to flee their homes as wind-driven wildfires scour communities northwest of Los Angeles. Two fires have burned about 30 homes and are being pushed by Santa Ana gusts. (Dec. 5) AP 35 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS At least 1 dead As fast-moving Brush fire scorches southern California   0:37 According to the Ventura County Fire Department  the Thomas Fire was first reported Monday evening north of the city of Santa Paula. Video provided by Newsy Newslook 36 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires destroy homes across Southern California   2:21 Wildfires driven by winds approaching hurricane force swept across Southern California Monday night into Tuesday  scorching thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of structures - from Ventura County to communities north of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 37 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Homes burn as fire breaks out in Los Angeles   2:13 Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in an exclusive ridge-top neighborhood in Los Angeles as a dangerous new wildfire burns in Southern California. At least two homes are burning in that area. (Dec. 6) AP 38 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Southern Calif. fire grows to 70 square miles   1:12 Authorities estimate a wind-driven Southern California wildfire has grown to more than 70 square miles. (Dec. 5) AP 39 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Ventura County wildfire spreading as fast as the wind   0:49 Whipping Santa Ana winds are playing a huge role in how quickly the Thomas Fire is spreading across Ventura County  California. Fire officials say it's a "very bad scenario." USA TODAY 40 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Wildfires rage in Ventura County  Calif.   1:16 Wildfires in Southern California have triggered evacuation orders for nearly 200 000 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. The fires remain mostly out of control. (Dec. 6) AP 41 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California fire forces thousands to evacuate   0:56 Thousands of homes have been evacuated after a wind-whipped wildfire exploded overnight in Southern California. The fire has burned through at least 40 square miles northwest of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 42 of 42 Last VideoNext Video Funeral procession for California firefighter
Fire and smoke billow up near Fillmore Thursday afternoon as a helicopter makes a drop.  Cal Fire engineer Cory Iverson  died at about 9:30 a.m. while battling a flare-up of the Thomas Fire. (Photo: JUAN CARLO/THE STAR)
That's according to a preliminary report recently released by the state agency. It details the chain of events from Dec. 14  when  Cory Iverson   32  died in the blaze. The report also lists safety issues for review.
 Iverson  who had worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) since 2009   had responded to help battle the Ventura County blaze as part of a fire engine strike team out of the agency's San Diego unit.
The fire  which has now burned 440 square miles in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties  has not yet been fully contained. Two people  a woman evacuating the fire and  Iverson   died and 1 063 structures were destroyed.
Four firefighters were able to retreat up an escape route and were uninjured  the preliminary report says.  Iverson   however  became trapped while trying to put out the flames and was killed.
This undated photo provided by Cal Fire shows Fire Apparatus Engineer Corey  Iverson   right  with his wife  Ashley  and their daughter.  Iverson   who worked for the department's San Diego Unit as a member of a fire strike team  died while fighting the Thomas Fire north of Fillmore. (Photo: VIA AP)
Autopsy results showed  he  died from burns and smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
The steep terrain  heavy vegetation and hazardous weather conditions such as erratic winds and low humidity â all which were present when  Iverson  died â contribute to that extreme fire behavior  the report states.
Before  Iverson  and the team began their 24-hour shift two safety briefings were held  according to the report.
The crew was in the second half of their shift when  Iverson  became trapped. They worked from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 13 mopping up flames that had gone over a fire line on a ridge southwest of an avocado orchard  the report states.
When  Iverson  and the four other firefighters in  his  strike team began working that day fire intensity was described as low and the upslope wind was pushing the smoke toward the west.
They each carried 300 feet of hose.  Iverson  also carried a scraping tool. As they started  the fire backed up to the dozer line  the report says.
As they worked  spot fires flared up. One started burning in front of  Iverson   and as  he  worked to put it out with a tool  a second one was reported nearby.
 Iverson  dropped some of the hose from  his  pack and went to put out the second spot fire. When  he  got there  it erupted.
With spot fires growing fast  firefighters' hoses did little to quell the flames.  Iverson  called in a request for air support. That was  his  last confirmed radio transmission  the report says.
Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Funeral procession for California firefighter   0:47 A funeral procession was held for a firefighter killed while battling the colossal wildfire that's still threatening homes in Southern California. An autopsy found Cory Iverson died from burns and smoke inhalation. (Dec. 18) AP 1 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Firefighter dies  thousands take on Calif. blaze   1:27 Cory Iverson  a San Diego-based firefighter who was one of the thousands fighting the blaze northwest of Los Angeles  died Thursday. A review team will investigate what happened. (Dec. 15) AP 2 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Over 6 000 firefighters battling southern California blaze   0:49 Over 6 000 firefighters battling southern California blaze Video provided by AFP Newslook 3 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California wildfire threatens thousands of homes   0:56 California's biggest wildfire has burned through at least 362 square miles and has destroyed at least 683 homes. Thousands of homes are threatened as strong wind pushes the blaze through bone-dry land. (Dec. 12) AP 4 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Crews light backfires to control Calif. Fires   1:12 Firefighting crews are lighting backfires to burn away dry vegetation and contain the massive fire that has burned at least 362 square miles northwest of Los Angeles. (Dec. 12) AP 5 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Flames churn through Santa Barbara region   1:43 Tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes as flames churn through foothill towns near Santa Barbara  the latest flare-up after a week of wildfires throughout the region. (Dec. 11) AP 6 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Giant California wildfire spreads northwest   1:02 California's largest and most destructive wildfire has spread beyond Ventura County and forced evacuations in some coastal parts of Santa Barbara County  to the northwest. The fire has burnt at least 270 square miles. (Dec. 11) AP 7 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires force Californians to buy smoke masks   1:09 California fire officials anticipate fires will keep growing due to gusty winds  no rain and decades-old dry vegetation. The biggest fire burned at least 270 square miles northwest of Los Angeles  where people are buying masks for the smoke. (Dec. 11) AP 8 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS High winds expected to increase fire threat   0:40 Forecasters say high winds will bring rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. USA TODAY 9 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Displaced horses from wildfires find shelter   1:29 Horses and other animals displaced by the Lilac fire in San Diego County find shelter at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Southern California. USA TODAY 10 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfire Ravages Calif. Retirement Community   1:04 Firefighters were still working in communities north of San Diego Friday that were hit by a fast-moving wildfire. The blaze tore through the area Thursday as powerful winds are still fanning flames across Southern California. (Dec. 8) AP 11 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire and smoke dominate Southern California skylines   1:05 Wildfires continue to destroy land and homes in Southern California. Months of dry conditions and whipping Santa Ana winds have created the perfect equation for devastation. USA TODAY 12 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Newest California fire burns 65 structures   0:55 At least 65 structures have been destroyed by a wildfire in semi-rural north San Diego County. Cal Fire also says there's still no containment of the fire early Friday. Trees were charred for miles along Highway 76. (Dec. 8) AP 13 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Calif. wildfire forces evacuations along coast   1:02 California's biggest wildfire forced evacuations in Faria Beach  a small community on the coast between Ventura and Santa Barbara. (Dec. 8) AP 14 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Biggest California fire burns 180 Sq. miles   0:55 The massive wildfire in Ventura County  north of Los Angeles  grew to 180 square miles and destroyed more than 400 buildings by late Thursday. It's forcing the evacuation of communities between Ventura and Santa Barbara. (Dec. 8) AP 15 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire near San Diego destroys 20 structures   1:14 A Cal Fire Division Chief says a fire near San Diego destroyed 20 homes and damaged 12 more. The fire tore through mobile homes in a retirement community. The blaze is heading west towards the Ocean  threatening Oceanside and Camp Pendleton. (Dec. 8) AP 16 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California wildfires cause people and their animals to flee   1:06 Four active wildfires in southern California have caused people and pets alike to seek shelter. USA TODAY 17 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires sweeping Southern California put millions on edge   0:59 Six separate wildfires are threatening millions of people in one of the country's most densely populated areas. USA TODAY 18 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS LA Mayor: Fire near downtown 20 percent contained   2:41 Firefighters continue battle to control the Skirball Fire near downtown Los Angeles. The blaze is 20 percent contained around 475 acres with flare ups in the Bel-Air Crest area. (Dec. 7) AP 19 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Highway travel disrupted by Calif. wildfire   1:52 Authorities closed a major freeway Thursday as flames from the Southern California wildfire jumped lanes and threatened beach front homes. (Dec. 7) AP 20 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Former Cardinals Pitcher Anthony Reyes Fighting California Wildfires   0:45 Anthony Reyes  best known for pitching the Cardinals to a Game 1 victory in the 2006 World Series  is on the front lines fighting the Californian wildfires. Time_Sports 21 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Man rescues rabbit from California wildfire   0:37 One brave man has become a viral hero after witnesses captured him coming extremely close to danger himself while rescuing a rabbit from the wildfires ravaging California Time 22 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Fire victim: 'This is what's left of our house'   1:31 Darlene Jordon has lived in this home above the city of Ventura  California  for more than two decades. Her house was filled with memories and souvenirs. But itâs all gone now after a raging wildfire reduced it to ash and rubble. (Dec. 7) AP 23 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Dramatic L.A. wildfire video looks like driving into hell   0:45 This was startling scene along Interstate 405 in Los Angeles as a wildfire engulfed the hills. USA TODAY 24 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Crews fight to Save Bel-Air homes from fire   1:09 Flames erupted Wednesday in Los Angeles' exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood as multimillion-dollar houses and modest tract homes alike came under siege from an outbreak of wind-whipped wildfires across Southern California. (Dec. 6) AP 25 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Powerful winds boost California fire danger   1:00 Southern California officials are warning of unprecedented dangerous winds on Thursday  with gusts possibly reaching 80 mph. The region is dealing with several massive wildfires that have around 200 000 under evacuation orders. (Dec. 7) AP 26 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Devastating wildfires strike Southern California   1:49 At least one person has died as a result of the fast-spreading wildfire plaguing more than tens of thousands of acres in southern California Time 27 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Southern California wildfire has forced thousands to evacuate   0:24 Ferocious winds in Southern California whipped up an explosive wildfire that forced thousands of homes to evacuate and could soon threaten a city of more than 100 000  authorities said. Time 28 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Calif. Evacuees Stunned By Wildfire Devastation   1:15 Residents of Santa Rosa  California were allowed to return Friday to areas ravaged by recent wildfires. Officials say more than eight thousand structures were destroyed by flames that tore through the region in Northern California. (Oct. 20) AP 29 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Motorists witness wildfire near L.A. freeway   1:06 Dramatic cell phone video along a busy Los Angeles freeway shows flames from a raging wildfire burning along hillsides early Wednesday. Officials say hundreds of structures may have been lost in wildfires burning across Southern California. (Dec. 6) AP 30 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Firefighters battle flames just feet from LA homes   0:51 Firefighters in southern California are working overtime to protect homes in Los Angeles. A new wildfire broke out in some of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods  which includes the upscale Bel Air Estates. USA TODAY 31 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires turn California freeway into wall of flames   0:41 As drivers headed down the 405 freeway  they were met with giant flames from the several fires burning in Southern California. USA TODAY 32 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS People  animals flee California wildfire   1:29 Nearly 200 000 people have been told to evacuate from three massive wildfires in southern California. Many people fleeing the flames are bringing along their animals. (Dec. 6) AP 33 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires destroy homes across southern Calif.   2:21 Wildfires driven by winds approaching hurricane force swept across Southern California Monday night into Tuesday  scorching thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of structures - from Ventura County to communities north of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 34 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Officials urge southern Calif. residents to flee homes   1:27 Authorities are urging tens of thousands of people to flee their homes as wind-driven wildfires scour communities northwest of Los Angeles. Two fires have burned about 30 homes and are being pushed by Santa Ana gusts. (Dec. 5) AP 35 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS At least 1 dead As fast-moving Brush fire scorches southern California   0:37 According to the Ventura County Fire Department  the Thomas Fire was first reported Monday evening north of the city of Santa Paula. Video provided by Newsy Newslook 36 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Wildfires destroy homes across Southern California   2:21 Wildfires driven by winds approaching hurricane force swept across Southern California Monday night into Tuesday  scorching thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of structures - from Ventura County to communities north of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 37 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Homes burn as fire breaks out in Los Angeles   2:13 Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in an exclusive ridge-top neighborhood in Los Angeles as a dangerous new wildfire burns in Southern California. At least two homes are burning in that area. (Dec. 6) AP 38 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Southern Calif. fire grows to 70 square miles   1:12 Authorities estimate a wind-driven Southern California wildfire has grown to more than 70 square miles. (Dec. 5) AP 39 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Ventura County wildfire spreading as fast as the wind   0:49 Whipping Santa Ana winds are playing a huge role in how quickly the Thomas Fire is spreading across Ventura County  California. Fire officials say it's a "very bad scenario." USA TODAY 40 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS Raw: Wildfires rage in Ventura County  Calif.   1:16 Wildfires in Southern California have triggered evacuation orders for nearly 200 000 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. The fires remain mostly out of control. (Dec. 6) AP 41 of 42 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE CALIF. WILDFIRES THREATEN L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS  SPARK EVACUATIONS California fire forces thousands to evacuate   0:56 Thousands of homes have been evacuated after a wind-whipped wildfire exploded overnight in Southern California. The fire has burned through at least 40 square miles northwest of Los Angeles. (Dec. 5) AP 42 of 42 Last VideoNext Video Funeral procession for California firefighter
Fire and smoke billow up near Fillmore Thursday afternoon as a helicopter makes a drop.   [TGT] died at about 9:30 a.m. while battling a flare-up of the Thomas Fire. (Photo: JUAN CARLO/THE STAR)
That's according to a preliminary report recently released by the state agency. It details the chain of events from Dec. 14  when  Cory Iverson   32  died in the blaze. The report also lists safety issues for review.
  [TGT] had responded to help battle the Ventura County blaze as part of a fire engine strike team out of the agency's San Diego unit.
The fire  which has now burned 440 square miles in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties  has not yet been fully contained. Two people  a woman evacuating the fire and   [TGT] died and 1 063 structures were destroyed.
Four firefighters were able to retreat up an escape route and were uninjured  the preliminary report says.   [TGT]    however  became trapped while trying to put out the flames and was killed.
This undated photo provided by Cal Fire shows Fire Apparatus Engineer Corey   [TGT]    right  with his wife  Ashley  and their daughter.   [TGT] who worked for the department's San Diego Unit as a member of a fire strike team  died while fighting the Thomas Fire north of Fillmore. (Photo: VIA AP)
Autopsy results showed  he  died from burns and smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
The steep terrain  heavy vegetation and hazardous weather conditions such as erratic winds and low humidity â all which were present when   [TGT] died â contribute to that extreme fire behavior  the report states.
Before  [TGT] and the team began their 24-hour shift two safety briefings were held  according to the report.
 [TGT]  was in the second half of  [TGT]  shift when   [TGT] became trapped.  [TGT]  worked from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 13 mopping up flames that had gone over a fire line on a ridge southwest of an avocado orchard  the report states.
When   [TGT] and the four other firefighters in   [TGT]   strike team began working that day fire intensity was described as low and the upslope wind was pushing the smoke toward the west.
They each carried 300 feet of hose.   [TGT] also carried a scraping tool. As  [TGT]  started  the fire backed up to the dozer line  the report says.
As  [TGT]  worked  spot fires flared up. One started burning in front of  [TGT] and as   [TGT]   worked to put it out with a tool  a second one was reported nearby.
  [TGT]   dropped some of the hose from   [TGT]   pack and went to put out the second spot fire. When   [TGT]   got there  it erupted.
With spot fires growing fast  firefighters' hoses did little to quell the flames.   [TGT]   called in a request for air support. That was   [TGT]   last confirmed radio transmission  the report says.