Cal Fire equipment operator killed fighting Mariposa County wildfire

A Cal Fire heavy equipment operator was killed Saturday morning, July 14, while batting the Ferguson fire in Mariposa County in the Sierra National Forest.

Braden Varney, 36, worked in the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, Cal Fire said.

No details on the accident were released.

Varney is survived by his wife, Jessica, daughter Malhea, 5, and son Nolan, 3.

He was a second-generation Cal Fire employee and had worked for the agency for 10 years, according to a statement from Gov. Jerry Brown’s office.

The statement said Varney had dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Californians.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many colleagues who are mourning this sudden and tragic loss,” Brown said.

Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott also extended his condolences.

“Please join me in keeping Braden and his loved ones in your prayers and all the responders on the front lines in your thoughts as they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions,” Pimlott said in a message posted on social media.

Pimlott directed all Cal Fire facilities to lower their flags to half-staff and asked that all uniformed personnel shroud their badges.

The fire had burned 130 acres and was 5 percent contained as of Saturday afternoon.