Video Shows ‘Heroic Rescue’ of Man and His Dog from California Airport Fire

A fire chief’s heroic rescue of a man and his dog stuck in the raging California Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was praised by the state’s fire agency.
The Airport Fire started in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County on Monday afternoon when public works crews were working to dissuade public access to a fire-sensitive area, KABC-TV in Los Angeles reported.
Firefighting crews immediately began an aggressive attack when the fire was only 7 acres, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) said. However, hot, dry conditions have spurred the flames to more than 23,000 acres. The fire is 8 percent contained as of Friday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Although crews are beginning to gain control of the flames, the fire still rages, putting lives at risk. One CAL FIRE division chief navigating the flames rescued a man and his dog stuck in the advancing firefront in El Cariso.
“Another day, another heroic rescue. Division Chief Crater stepped up to help a man and his dog in the El Cariso neighborhood, guiding them to safety as a rapidly advancing fire front from the #AirportFire closed in,” CAL FIRE posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. “Firefighters at every level are the heart of our department, going above and beyond to protect those in need. We couldn’t be prouder of their unwavering commitment and selflessness. Both the man and his dog were safely evacuated and unharmed.”
The post included a video of the rescue, in which the division chief navigated his truck through billowing smoke and flames and ordered the man to get in. The man expressed concern about his dog, and the chief then told him to bring the dog.
“Let’s go, man, I want you out of here,” he said as the man loaded the dog into the truck.
Newsweek reached out to CAL FIRE via email for comment.
The post comes only a day after the same department shared a video of a battalion chief’s “incredible rescue” of a woman fleeing flames associated with the Airport Fire.
“Watch as one of our brave Battalion Chiefs risks it all to save a woman walking through the flames of the #AirportFire. This incredible rescue shows the dedication and courage of our firefighters, who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” the post said.
As firefighters gain control of the flames, some evacuation orders have been lifted in Orange and Riverside counties.