STOCKTON, CA – Early Monday moring, firefighters from the Stockton Fire Department responded to a dumpster fire. While extinguishing the fire, the firefighters heard gunshots and one was struck in an apparent ambush.
Fire Department Captain Max Fortuna died as a result of his injuries.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. the Stockton Fire Department’s Emergency Communications Division received a 911 call for a dumpster fire in the area of Washington and Aurora Streets.
Engine 2 arrived on the scene a short time later and found a dumpster fire impinging on a structure. As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, gunshots were heard, and the Fire Captain of Engine 2 had been struck. Firefighters quickly transitioned to providing EMS care and transported him to the hospital.
“I’m devastated to report that Veteran Fire Captain Max Fortuna has succumbed to his injuries. Captain Fortuna served the City of Stockton for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and two grown children,” said Stockton Fire Chief Richard Edwards. “I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna’s family and the Stockton Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”