Remains of Missing U.S. Forest Service Hotshot Found in CA Mountains

March 12, 2025

Firefighter Carlos Baltazar went missing in 2020 as he prepared for the funeral of his hotshot boss, killed in the El Dorado Fire.

Susan Nicol

The remains of a missing U.S. Forest Service firefighter were recovered in the San Bernardino Mountains last year.

Firefighter Carlos Baltazar was reported missing in 2020 during the El Dorado Fire, KTLA reported.

A death investigation was launched in late October when a skull was located in the area where he went missing.

Baltazar was last seen talking to coworkers as he prepared for the funeral for his hotshot boss, Charles Morton, killed while battling the fire.

His wrecked vehicle was found along a highway, but there was no sight of him.

A couple admitted responsiblity for the fire that started during their genderl reveal party.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.