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Stephen Joseph Masto

Firefighter

Firefighter Masto was working as an EMT at a wildland fire roaming among other firefighters and providing first aid to anyone who became injured. He worked a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. shift, he was equipped with a portable radio, and he carried a canteen. He did not return to camp at the end of his shift and a search was initiated. Firefighter Masto was discovered dead about twelve hours later in steep terrain. The cause of death was found to be heat stroke, there was no evidence of trauma or other medical conditions that contributed to his death. Firefighter Masto's shift as an EMT was on August 27, 1999 and he was found on August 28, 1999.
photo of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Stephen Joseph Masto was honored on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland and was included in the USFA’s annual report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.

Department information

Santa Barbara City Fire Department
121 W. Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101

Chief: Warner McGrew

Age: 28
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Career
Incident date: August 26, 1999
Date of death: August 27, 1999
Cause of fatal injury: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of fatal injury: Cerebrovascular Accident
Activity type: Advance Hose Lines/Fire Attack (includes Wildland)
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property

Last updated: January 10, 2018