Missing California firefighter identified after remains found

The disappearance of U.S. Forest Service firefighter Carlos Baltazar, who went missing in September 2020, has been resolved. A human skull found in Big Bear in October 2024 has been identified as his, confirmed by the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office in February 2025. Baltazar, 39, was last seen while fighting the El Dorado Fire. His vehicle was later found crashed, but extensive searches did not locate him. The cause of his death is still under investigation. His family expressed their grief and gratitude for community support. They are seeking help for funeral expenses through a GoFundMe page, emphasizing Baltazar's dedication to his family and service as a firefighter.