Heroes of the Fire

[Debi]

I just read this article about the emergency evacuation of a Long term care facility. Having worked one for many years, I can tell you the staff to patient ratio was most likely 1 staff member to 8 or 9 residents, IF everyone showed up for their shifts. The residents varied from full on hospice care folks, Alzheimer patients, to assisted living residents. All needed assist to evacuate.

These staff people literally carried some people down stairs on their own backs. The stair chairs mentioned are difficult to use and aren't made to roll on pavement, and in one pic I saw they even grabbed the really unwieldy shower chairs as makeshift wheelchairs...also bad rollers for pavement or ground. Some folks had full hospital beds to move to get them out and down a hill. I can tell you "driving" a hospital bed should take at least two people to safely do this on flat ground, much less down a hill.

Somehow that staff got everyone an emergency lanyard on so they could be ID'd. I can't tell you the complexities involved in moving patients that quickly to safety. These staff people are heroes. They could have run. They didn't. As one nurse said, "Nobody dies tonight."

Here's their story:

'Nobody's dying': A look inside how a senior home evacuated before burning down in LA wildfire

As a menacing wildfire approached, staff and residents of a senior citizens home made a desperate escape for their lives.

apnews.com

 

[ozentity]

I think wildfires are the scariest situations on our planet. I feel for the people going through this. I fear with global warming we need to be prepared for severe weather from now on.

 

[Debi]

I think wildfires are the scariest situations on our planet. I feel for the people going through this. I fear with global warming we need to be prepared for severe weather from now on.

The winds were blowing from 70 to 100 mph during this blowing embers at all these people at the same time. I consider this a true miracle. Pushing a standard wheelchair without that kind of wind can be difficult. I can't imagine pushing them in that wind much less the makeshift ones they put into use. Plus walkers!

I use a walker when I'm out and a cane within the house. I can tell you that you have to watch for every bump in the road or you can tip them. Wind, embers, and down a hill is honestly a miracle. These people deserve recognition for these rescues.

 

[Debi]

I'll also add that they most likely had emergency O2 tanks for some patients/residents. Fire and O2 is a very scary scenario.

 

[Debi]

If you find any more hero stories, please add them to this thread.

 

[Lynne]

What a scary situation, God was with them that day. This story goes to the heart of most people who will do what they must in a desperate situation. I bet even the patients helped each other out. I am glad this ended as good as possible considering the devastation. They were all heroes that day.

 

[Debi]

Natural Harmony​

The intense fire surprised Mr. Mario Alberto, who is deaf man, in the middle of the night. His humble house and his vehicle were on fire, but his only concern was his best friend, Gordo, who was still inside him. Desperate, he even tried to put out the fire with a hose but the flames were destroying everything, including his hopes of finding his dog alive.

He kept pointing out to the firefighters that nothing mattered more than his pet and when he thought he would never see him again, suddenly in the midst of the raging flames, one of them came out with his pet.

My hat goes off to all of the first responders during these horrible fires currently in CA and during all disasters. They are heroes in so many different aspects and ways. Many tales of what they do are never heard, but we most certainly want to celebrate the ones we do hear about. Thank you to all of them!

Credit goes to respective owners.

 

[Debi]

Heroic woman rescues 41 pets from the wildfires.
Dr. Annie Harvilicz, a veterinarian, bravely risked her life to help rescue dogs, cats and a rabbit from the path of the Pacific Palisades fire as their owners were forced to flee.
The animal lover has opened her home and an empty pet hospital because their owners simply don’t have the space or resources to bring the pets with them.
She also rescued 4 dogs near LAX airport and has taken them into her home.
This is a true hero

 

[Paintman]

The Doors' hit 'Light My Fire' was written in Pacific Palisades home that burned

In 1967, Robby Krieger, the guitarist for L.A. band the Doors, wrote the hit single "Light My Fire" in the living room of his parents' Pacific Palisades home.

www.yahoo.com

Not a hero story in the traditional sense but these homeowners have a wonderful outlook despite it all.

 

[K9-1]

I really feel sorry for these people and animals. I live in the middle of the woods and fire is my worst fear! The only reason I fear it is the amount of animals I have and getting them to safety! If it was just the wife and I the house could burn to the ground with everything in it and I'd be fine.
We are fortunate enough to have a firehouse down the road and forestry fire crews near by.