Amid the intense LA fires, a touching moment was caught on video: a firefighter balancing a firehose in one hand while extending the other to a terrified dog named Max.
With Max’s home in flames, the firefighter stepped in to offer the dog a moment of calm and safety amidst the chaos.
LA firefighter douses flames while comforting lost dog
@abcworldnews In #Altadena, #California, a #firefighter consoled a #dog that was wandering the charred streets with one hand, while also working to extinguish the flames engulfing the neighborhood with the other. A local #rescue ♬ original sound – ABC World News Tonight
Slater Lee, a probationary firefighter with the San Marcos Fire Department, found himself on the front lines fighting the relentless Eaton Fire when he came across the distressed dog.
The fire had already consumed over 14,000 acres and was only 35% contained, making the situation dire. Yet, Lee’s instincts drove him to care for both the fire and the scared animal.
Lee saw Max, a 60-pound dog, cowering in the front yard of a burning house. Max’s constant barking was a clear plea for help. Despite the challenging conditions, Lee managed to control the fire while reassuring Max.
“Visibility was pretty poor initially, so we found a place that we could stake out,” Lee told ABC News.
With one hand on the nozzle cooling the garage, he used his other hand to comfort the distressed dog.
Even though Lee has only been a firefighter for six months, his actions showed his dedication and compassion. His chief praised him, saying that while new recruits often come and go, “Slater is one of the good ones.”
Eventually, other citizens arrived and ensured Max’s safety, escorting the dog out of the danger zone.
This allowed Lee to return to his primary task of fighting the fire. Thanks to Lee and his team, Max is now safe and is expected to reunite with his family, shaken but unharmed.
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