Bulldozer operator dies fighting Soberanes Fire

A private bulldozer operator was killed Tuesday while fighting the Soberanes Fire near Big Sur. Few details are available other than the operator died in a remote area on the southeast end of the fire.

“Firefighter is an inherently dangerous job with great risk involved,” said Incident Commander Todd Derum of CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 4. “Please keep your heartfelt thoughts and prayers with the family of our fallen cooperator and the firefighting community. We will provide further details as next of kin is notified.”

On Wednesday, Cal Fire reported a second bulldozer had rolled over, causing minor equipment damage but no injuries to the operator.

A truck belonging to Tulare County Fire was crushed by a boulder that rolled down a hill. Flames had destroyed the vegetation that was holding it in place.