The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighter Daniel Cook died of an undisclosed medical emergency while fighting a house fire in Riverside County on Dec. 31, 2025, according to an official Facebook post by CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department.
The Riverside County Fire Department stated, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the line-of-duty death of Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel ‘Danny’ Cook … Engineer Cook passed away earlier today while engaged in firefighting operations. His service, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Cook was transported to the Riverside University Medical Center, where he later died, according to KTLA 5.
In a press release, Governor Newsom’s office stated that Cook was 45 years old and had joined CAL FIRE in June 2006. In honor of Cook, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space were flown at half-staff.
Newsom shared, “Today, Jennifer and I mourn the loss of Engineer Cook who served his community with honor and integrity. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. May his service and sacrifice never be forgotten.”
According to ABC7 and mynewsLA.com, Cook was among the many engine crews dispatched to a fire in the attached garage of a two-story house in the 31300 block of Marcuchio Road near Hansen Avenue in Nuevo.
The fire department stated that two occupants of the property suffered minor injuries and were transported to the same hospital as Cook and have since recovered. The fire was contained within an hour with no other firefighters injured. The source of the fire is currently under investigation.
A procession took place on Wednesday afternoon in Moreno Valley, according to CBS News.
A memorial service honoring Cook will be held in Temecula at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the Sunridge Community Church on Winchester Avenue, where family and associates will gather in person. The fire department said that the service is not open to the public and respectfully asks that the family’s privacy be honored during this time. The memorial will be broadcast live on the CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department YouTube channel, according to mynewsLA.com.
