Sacramento, California - 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.