SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A 29-year-old Cal Fire firefighter who died Monday after a training hike is being remembered.
Yaroslav Katkov was hiking Sunday with his crew from Cal Fire / San Diego County Fire Station 16 in De Luz when he had a medical emergency, Cal Fire Director Thom Porter said.
Katkov was flown to Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside, where he died Monday morning. His cause of death was not specified.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to CAL FIRE Firefighter Yaroslav Katkov’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. It’s the work of brave firefighters like Yaroslav that keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful for his service,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom and Porter ordered flags at the Capitol and Cal Fire facilities to be flown at half staff.
Porter said Katkov joined Cal Fire as a seasonal firefighter in August 2018. Katkov, who lived in Escondido, is survived by his parents and brother.
