Near miss on the Route Fire, firefighters trapped

[@timothydamann93]

Now that’s leadership. Taking accountability for everyone not just your crew. This is how you do it

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Wrong the leadership here failed.. this should have been called long before.. ive been a firefighter for 15 years now, these trucks can withstand hurricane force winds and high temperatures. every one should have been ordered to drop their hand tools, and get in the vehicles and then driven out long before this...

[@dangerdoberman]

@@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 Good leadership. Better last minute than never. Important is no one died.

[@billycrystal5955]

@@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 some people are on the internet pretending to be firefighters - others are caught on video risking their safety to pick up a crew who wasn't even theirs. We know which one you are. But don't feel bad, sometimes wannabes grow up to do good things too.

[@genie3531]

@@billycrystal5955 lmfaoo gottem

[@Dankseashell]

@@billycrystal5955 bro gunna need some ice for that burn

[@brianr.2962]

As a retired firefighter, I think i can honestly say id rather fight a structure fire any day over a wild fire. While firefighters all over the world are heros, its these hotshots, forestry crews that are the real superheros. God bless to all of us, past present and future firefighters. Especially you men and women working those wildfire jobs! The world needs more people Like these guys.

[@joker432]

As a structural firefighter, I couldn’t agree more. I don’t want the outside to also be on fire.

[@damionjones8944]

Honestly I have been a structure fire and wildland fire fighter for 8 years and I love structure fires but I have grown the more wildlands fire i have been on for state deployment would rather fight wildland fires honestly. I hate them all for the people that loose everything but I love my job in all ways.

[@atillahun5867]

Then your smoking crack or you worked for some po-dunk city fire department.. it’s not even remotely close to the riskiness of structure firefighting.. even this “close call” wasn’t much.. bad burns and critical condition my ass, those guys were fine.. there are thousands of helmet cam videos of guys falling through floors or mayday radio traffics from structure fires.. the FF death stats each year show you either die in a structure or on the way to the call.. it’s a joke you would say that and quite frankly disrespectful to the real deal brothers

[@brianr.2962]

@@damionjones8944 I couldn't agree more.. I have never enjoyed seeing the devastating effects of fire. But loved the job, i love my brothers and sisters that i served with and my brothers and sisters all over the world. We're all family and in it together. You stay safe brother. And Merry Christmas!

[@brianr.2962]

@@joker432 But when the wildlands ignite.. We will be there.. Stay safe Brother. Merry Christmas!

[@jonquinones3436]

I was the engine operator that day. This day still pops into my mind every once and awhile, I still question it all. This incident was a lesson learned and the cherry on the cake for leaving the forest service and continuing my life elsewhere. I am ultimately glad none of us were seriously injured. For those still out there on the fireline, be safe out there!

[@galbro480261]

i guess fire trucks are designed to withstand tremedous heat it was probably over 2000 degree outside if a car was out there they probably would of got burned up from outside from within in car because of flashover instantly rising heat etc. maybe the gas tank can be in danger too maybe fire truck defend shield that gas tank.

[@prone1548]

@@galbro480261 are you high?

[@jasoncarswell7458]

I worked a hotshot crew for 2 years, 1999-2001 right after I got out of the infantry. The ONE thing everybody there craved was a municipal firefighting gig, with benefits and a pension. Less than 1% of them ever got it. Wildland fires are fought with any available dumb & fearless brute labor, often prisoners, a perfect job for a young grunt. They are not "fire scientists" who (everyone agrees) are heroes who rescue kitties from trees and deserve enough money to have a family and respect. Grunts get nothing. I learned this the hard way.

[@mikahist4155]

Thanks for your explanation- i hope they get their apprection in any possible way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@miteco1]

​@@jasoncarswell7458Municipal FD members and leadership are entitled chickenshits with "complacency and lack of urgency" being their middle names.

[@ryancrazy1]

"i ditched the saw" "Fuck it" might not have even realized at that moment how close to disaster they were. Engine boss was a badass

[@reckins3276]

Tools are replaceable. I probably would of ditched my pack too before i got in the truck

[@jackf1557]

You know shits going down when you hear someone yell 'DROP YOUR TOOLS'

[@cerberusairforce]

@@reckins3276 Things came apart so quickly, human self preservation instincts kicked in and they just wanted to get away from the fire.

[@BryceAWD]

Capt Tom Guzman took control during chaos, and saved lives. Not many people could maintain composure in a situation as terrifying as this. This man is a true hero.

[@STEEPPOW]

He did. However I will say I’ve had a past life doing this job and there is no reason to put themselves in that situation. The road was narrow, the wind was strong, it would not take much obviously as you saw, for the fire to jump to the other side of the road where ample fuel awaited. They were stuck in the middle of a fuel source without any reason to be there.

[@trvman1]

@@STEEPPOW Have to agree. Seems like someone made a bad decision to send them in there to begin with. Had this turned really bad, odds are no one would have been held accountable. Government employees are rarely held accountable for anything. Same goes for the Military. Almost impossible to fire a Federal or State employee.

[@BillBlast7372]

2:39 ***EVERYONE IN THAT ENGINE KNEW IT, LISTEN AS A FF SAYS "THEY LEFT US ALL!!!"*** all other vehs/FF's left, then Tom stopped this last engine & forced everyone on, even the ppl that weren't on his crew.....gives me mixed feelings as a FF, THX TO TOM FOR SAVING THESE PPL!!!

[@miteco1]

LAFD panicked and left their own to burn.

[@miteco1]

​@@BillBlast7372 yup LAFD chickenshits just like most community "firefighters". They are only in it for money and entitlement.

[@rsanoian]

As a retired US Forest Service firefighter I remember a fire during the LA fires in the 90's when my Captain made the decision for our Engine to stay with two dozers on top of a mountain that the fire had jumped lines below and was headed our way. Command requested all engines to descend the fire road which was over grown and two engines ended up getting burned over. We had enough time to have the dozers make a small clearing and we all rode the burn over out inside the engine with wet bandanas over our face and so much smoke inside you could not see the guy next to you. After that incident had even more respect for my captain and the decision he made and not obeying a direct order.

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

Read the Twist River Fire fatality report on the WA-OWF a couple years back. Same decision fork as u but with different results. RIP. Ur ENGB made a good choice! But every situation is different.

[@rsanoian]

@@johnnyhorizon8368 Agreed, happy to see that everyone here got out of there in time.

[@BillBlast7372]

AMAZING STORY....THX FOR SHARING IT.

[@Kushert]

Damn.....much respect🙏

[@Nuffsed81]

He was lucky then. I wouldn't praise luck over disobeying orders. You were lucky.

[@Zeep_goblin]

For those who may be wondering what the big deal was, if you've ever had a camp fire and sit to close and then realize your face is burning, it's like that, but you don't have to be close at all with a fire that size, it will cook you as if you are just above the coals of the firepit in that scenario.

[@nitrous_god]

O h. I don’t know how I never realized that. That really puts stuff like this into perspective. Thanks.

[@Luna-mo4bp]

@@nitrous_godThat and the fact It's growing restlessly every second. They barely made it out alive, if it weren't for the Captain holding his composure then it could have been a different story inside that hellscape.

[@moosetracks656]

sadly people wont know how hot that is unless they experience it for themselves. It's out of this world.

[@communalransack]

You can actually see the heat in the footage, the purple everywhere is infrared radiation overwhelming the camera's infrared filters.

[@LOLLYPOPPE]

@@moosetracks656It’s really really hot, we get it

[@debbie3218]

I don't know what else to say, but a heartfelt 'Thank you'... Those words don't even come close to describing how much respect I have for you heroes. You put your lives on the line to keep others safe.

[@Skippy2539]

Situations like these is why these wildland engines need cab sprays and fire shields on the windows of the engines like we have in Australia. These added safety devices ensure the truck cab stays cool as well as wheel well sprays to ensure your tires don't melt so you can punch it out of there. But hats off to these guys they did an outstanding job packing into the engine with the little to no time they had, those hand tool crews are a different breed of firefighters, the breed with the biggest balls

[@billsmith5109]

Australia, or at least Queensland, is well ahead in wildland fire vehicle design for burn over safety.

[@Skippy2539]

@@billsmith5109 Yeah our units are pretty well set on burn over safety in the NSW RFS. We are retrofitting older appliances or just trying to flat out replace them with newer trucks

[@bentheguru4986]

@@billsmith5109 Bull, QLD is the only state who still thinks we don't need cab / appliance burn-over protection.

[@bentheguru4986]

In most states yes, not all. QLD RFS still stuck in the dark ages with appliances built to a cost, not a statndard. No national standards are used and every state does their own thing. Now add this to QLD where ther RFS is a the "Bastard Child" in a relationship and expected to cover more than 95% of the state with less than 5% of the budget, all with free labour. Don't come to QLD, grossly mismanaged shit-show.

[@PriceTheCourier]

I have a feeling that these are cities/local Fire engines that are mainly designed for car, structure, search and rescue, transporting (ambulance), and reaching high heights (laddertrucks) not wildfires or brushfires or something. I could be wrong. I do agree with you though.

[@fireheartclan]

If anyone ever asked “just how many firemen can fit into a truck” This has proven the answer is “everyone that needs to be at the moment.” Honestly hats off to them all, since that situation is one they will never forget, and all things considered they were all quite calm. Though it also looks like a situation in which “the panic comes later, now’s not the time.”

[@legallyfree2955]

Not just firefighters, I am a firefighter in Australia and we have fitted a boggling number of civilians on the back of our truck once, against every health and safety protocol and law there is lol... I think it was about 15 in a space meant for 3 people, plus 7 in the cab in a space meant for 5.

[@kaspernbs]

The answer will always be. Everyone!

[@egg-iu3fe]

what if there just physically wasn't enough space? would they leave a man behind?

[@Steve.._.]

@@egg-iu3fe maybe he would try to ride or someone will need to make room or he will start running

[@24680jru]

@@egg-iu3fe sign (qualify) and find out!

[@rjjr7064]

Holy shit not a second to spare! You could hear the desperation in their voices as the heat began to burn them. Thank you guys for all you do!

[@moneymaker9754]

What he did, saved countless lifes, and his own. Truly remarkable

[@909mineman]

Very countable actually. Could have been up to 13 at the worst.

[@Evan-fh2zg]

@@909mineman Depends how high you can count.

[@laughinghawk8522]

As someone who was saved by firefighters as a child from a house fire, this is so incredibly terrifying. God bless firefighters.

[@austinduvall2422]

As a former volunteer firefighter. My heart goes out to this man for making sure all the men under his command were safe before he himself sought shelter. I feel like this video should be shown everywhere all the time maybe then people will understand the dangers of forest fires better and evacuate the area sooner as well as making sure when they go camping or anything that they do all they can to prevent fires and lessen the chance of this to ever happen.

[@livingonthetyne]

It's insane how fast it goes from a clear road to an absolute inferno... terrifying, just goes to show how dangerous this is even for the brave firefighters.

[@niagarawarrior9623]

Amazing that so many fully equipped firefighters could fit inside the rig. hats off to these guys, Its great to see this recorded, i think its important for more people to see exactly whats happening out there, as well as the people who are sent out to fight the fires.

[@Hohzaye]

Why didn’t they drop their gear? Especially that guy holding the tool

[@captainconway2236]

@@Hohzaye well their packs take a time to unclip and take off, which would have meant firefighters still outside when the flames rolled over them. Their packs also have some useful equipment for surviving a situation like this which they probably want to keep on hand As for the hand tools, i'd probably chalk that up to just the pure adrenaline making him just move and jump in without thinking about it. You don't really act rationally when you have all that adrenaline pumping through your veins and don't have time to think when you need to move fast.

[@stagger9660]

@@Hohzaye i see this happen more often than not in any emergency situations. Civilian or not. They either a) its a personal item they dont want to risk losing and believe they can risk taking it. Or b) have had more training on not losing their equipment than on anything else. Which translates to, "its a bad day when we have to exfil from a wildfire, its a worse day having to convince chief why you lost something as well

[@katielizfmedic18]

I’ve been a structure and wildland firefighter close to 17 years. In this position of command whether fighting a structure or wildland fire, it’s always “no man left behind”. We are all a tight group of brothers and sisters coming together for the same cause, he absolutely did the right thing. ❤ Good for him for being so brave and taking care of all those people…wind change can cause these fires to quickly spread and become out of control. ESP when trying to do a direct attack and pulling burned fuel into the fire, trying to dig a fire line around the flames to establish a burn perimeter. With the fast moving fires like this one a direct attack can be so dangerous, so thankful all got out without any major burns/injuries❤. He’s a hero for sure!

[@alishanmao]

Salutes to these people, they put their lives on the line to save ours.

[@Kodos2024]

It was an empty field, neither one of us were there and neither should they have been!

[@-.._.-_...-_.._-..__..._.-.-.-]

In California, at least, 30% of wildland firefighters are inmates making roughly $5 per day in training and while fighting fires. My uncle did it for 20 years while in prison on repeated drug charges. When he finally wised up and dropped the drug habit, he moved out of state to start a new life. He tried to join the fire service, but was turned down. I don't blame them for not hiring him, but it sucks how we just dump and forget these firefighters. He loved the job, and I imagine he thought about going back to prison just to fight fires again. He ended up working for a truck company instead. He eventually made enough money to buy his own big rig, and now he does freelance deliveries.

[@samhilton4173]

This video, more than any other I've seen, gives me a real sense of how dangerous and scary it can be to fight a fire. Brave people.

[@gallofourteen116]

wow! its scary how near, but but also how far they are from the safety of a unburning area. these guys truly are hero's.

[@danimalreviews2882]

as a 36 year firefighter, I take my hat off to you wildland guys

[@joeferraro9884]

There should be more people like you in this country,it would make for a better way of living..

[@SUzzer-jy9lj]

There are!!

[@exxodas]

Only a true experienced veteran can have impeccable timing like that. They were seconds away from being entrapped.

[@patches6309]

As a Combat Veteran NCO I know a real leader is the first on the ground & the last to leave. Mission First, Men ALWAYS! Salute to Capt. Tom Guzman & all of the brave men & women who fight these insane disasters.

[@kaspernbs]

The fact that he had to be cajouled to get in the truck, He was looking to setup in survival tent, due to him thinking the engine was full. untill the driver ordered him in the cab.

[@medyaitfaiye]

I used your video in my tribute video. Thanks for sharing these images with us.

[@guy.named.z]

The fact that this was exactly 20 years after 9/11

[@climatixseuche]

I honestly never understood how you can get hurt by some wild fire there when there is not even a real forest, seeing those massive firewalls and the smoke and the instant shift and speed of the fire from a POV perspective ... hats off to those guy. :O I think I would just have given up in shock and burned to a crispy toast

[@BestofAdinRoss]

Capt. is a true Legend, on top of everything he did that day even took a pitch fork to the head jumping into the engine.

[@TwinShards]

This driver went from a few second of spectacular phone recording to OH SH* everyone need cover!

[@minzahhh1]

What an absolute man.... Thank you mate

[@Surannhealz]

I imagine that it sucks being scarred with a burn, but to experience that kind of environment and teamwork…that’s gotta be memories that you hold on to and share for a lifetime.

[@snoblitz]

Amazing work Captain Guzman. You saved many lives that day sir.

[@psychocuda]

God bless all these heroes, and best wishes for swift recoveries to the injured personnel.

[@riverrebel1]

Bro brought his Mccloud in, took up room but man knows what he's doing, never leave your tool behind

[@Climacticc_Chaos]

That went from: "Oh look, theres fire on the ridge" to: Ugh are we gonna die in here? - Really fucking fast.

[@beanie5851]

It's amazing (terrifying) how quickly fire can spread. At first I was watching and I was like, "they aren't surrounded surely they can escape if they needed to." Then the captain loads up guys in the truck, and not 10 seconds later you can see a raging inferno where they were all just standing. The scene around that truck went from "not ideal" to "mordor" in so short a time. Thanks to all firemen for your service!

[@GAMBANJUJJJ]

on a scale of one to ten, 1 being not ideal and 10 being THE FIRES OF MORDOR, how bad is your situation

[@sandman0127]

A perfect example of a good leader and an even better firefighter

[@Mjdecker1234]

Nothing but respect is all I can say. From absolutely everyone. Brave souls and this looks just beyond scary. The fact that the fire moves that fast. I live in Minnesota so we don't get that here (just had a rare one this summer though) and can't imagine this.

[@DavefromCA2023]

WOW that maybe one of the most dramatic videos I've ever seen!! That fire was RIGHT ON TOP OF THEM! Thankful all our firefighters made it out!

[@jessicalaccino7352]

I dont expect that Tom Guzman will ever see this comment, but after watching his bravery and knowing that he was going to potentially sacrifice his own life to save others in such a mannner, his selflessness touched my soul in such a profound way, he inspired me to action, this man that I have never met has changed my life, today I signed up with my neighborhood net "neighborhood emergency team" I passed my acceptance test just this morning I would eventually like to become a volunteer firefighter, I give thanks for all of the heros God bless the firefighters and always keep them safe 💜🙌🌻

[@BanjoZZZ]

I see your comment! Love your neighbor, and you'll know what to do when the time comes. And training helps too!

[@lyons11siren]

So thankful for all these firefighters. This real footage is shocking. Any update on the 2 seriously injured firefighters?

[@Wildfiretoday]

A firefighter from the US Forest Service suffered second degree burns to his ears, neck, nose, cheeks, and arm. Another from LA County received a second degree burn to his neck. They were both treated by paramedics on scene, transported to a hospital emergency room, and later to a burn unit, and then released.

[@bennywhite7062]

True heroism is rarely captured on video.

[@lyons11siren]

@@bennywhite7062 this footage is what should be on the mainstream news.

[@firefighter2202]

I'm a fireman of the wild, from Russia, Siberia

[@americanredstart423]

Guy probably didn't need his mccloud inside the engine... drop your gear and go.

[@jessicatttupolt]

They were rookies and probably unsure.

[@CenTexPhoto]

This is an issue in law enforcement too. Many times officers will be faced with a deadly force encounter and draw their handgun while not dropping what was in their hands already (ie pen, notepad, drivers license, flashlight, etc) and causes them to have inaccurate fire. This is something that has to be trained into someone repeatedly.

[@LiamPattisonPhotography]

I'd like to see how you'd do in that exact same situation. Unreasonable to judge when it wasn't you who was there and experienced it.

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

@Liam Pattison Photography Would YOU bring ur tool into ur fire shelter during deployment?? No - of course u wouldn’t!

[@tobiaspiering]

Seriously. I was like…a McLeod in the truck cabin? Really?!?

[@AndrewGrey22]

Great job, Tom! Wow that was amazing how quickly that can overrun an area.

[@matthew4031]

I’m in tears. So proud of people like you. Thank you.

[@6uiti]

its really amazing the stuff we get to see on video

[@thunderbear0]

2:20 why would that camera man bring that rod in, there is already no space That capt is lucky those spikes didn't pocked his head

[@shatterstar2472]

Thank you for your service!

[@blase1856]

I have worked with fires before and they really aren't like in the movies. You can be 20+ meters away from the fire and still feel the super strong heat coming from the fire, just imagine this. They must have felt like their face was melting off from the heat, as i have experienced it before too

[@samuelstoltz44]

You sir are what we strive to be. Always put your people first.

[@alexanderbarrera9140]

Guy with the rake i be like throw that shit out wtfff well buy another one.

[@alexanderbarrera9140]

The dude with the rake was seriously trippin lmao

[@RSAleft9]

LETS GO BROTHER!!!!!! Nice quick thinking Cap! Glad everybody is ok.

[@hughmann3820]

I'm old, tired and broken but back in the day I worked for the Forest Service and a County Department. It was never the same day always changing. You folks nowadays are Bad Asses. Make sure you always have an escape route. Thanks for showing up when the Fecal hits the Reciprocator.

[@erickruiz490]

My dude brought his whole ass McLeod into the engine lmfao.

[@HighwayLand]

DROP THE TOOLS! A firefighter did say at 2:40 that he ditched the saw, but did anybody else ditch anything? And WHY did those LA County trucks leave them behind? Why not pick a few of the other guys up? Lessons learned from this video, a must see for all firefighters.

[@billycrystal5955]

Pause the video at 1:26 and you'll see a crew further ahead running up the road. The engines went ahead to help them out. The distances are distorted by the lens, everything is closer than it appears.

[@Grounded75]

Guzman you are a hero. I know that you would say you were just doing your job but every family member of every firefighter you saved that day knows the truth. Well done Sir well done.

[@skittlepuff]

I’m so glad all the firefighters are okay

[@e-_-xcited]

Its crazy! Im from germany and there are barely any bush fired here. Im a youth firefighter (learning basics etc.) and Its so different to the US here. Thank you for taking care of a thing that normal civilians cant take care of ❤️

[@HiMarsPewPew]

Much respect to these brave men and women who battle WILD fires!

[@mattp8997]

We need more Tom Guzmans in the world...nice work Tom! And ofcourse the same goes to all firefighters, everywhere. Nice work guys we need u

[@aired-downdisconnected4125]

Thought I was watching 24 for a second. 😉

[@فيديوهاتمنوعة-ح2ث]

رجال الاطفاء عملهم ممتاز ولكن في بعض الحالات يكونون في مأزق واعرف اشخاص ماتوا رحمهم الله اثناء تأديه عملهم في السعودية

[@ymk8355]

That’s why in Europe and Australia, forest fire engines are all fitted with automated firefighting protection system. These forest agency trucks should have been equipped with such systems. This captain is a hero!

[@cavanbarry1732]

What do you mean by this? How does it protect the engine?

[@ymk8355]

@@cavanbarry1732 it is like a sprinkle system fitted all around the fire engine (top to bottom) and if they get in such situation as this “near miss” they activate the systems which will flow for several minutes, cooling down the footprint of the engine and saving fire fighters

[@cavanbarry1732]

@@ymk8355 Wow. Very cool

[@coval5694]

@@cavanbarry1732 I believe this is what they were talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/gamqYqaLrbeSbMU&ab_channel=CFA%28CountryFireAuthority%29

[@cavanbarry1732]

@@coval5694 Thanks. Looks like it would be really helpful. I wonder if they have oxygen tanks somewhere on the engine. It seems like the fire might consume all of the oxygen or produce too much smoke. Found another interesting video, from the same channel, testing the effectiveness kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoCxgoagoLeKn5o

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Been there done that. It was back in 1974 on the Haybarn Canyon fire at Camp Pendleton, California. We were deep into the canyon when we were suddenly surrounded with flames and it was just me as the hose-jockey and the engineer. We both got into the cab and made a run for it and got through with just a few burnt areas on the sides and top of the brush truck. There’s no way I would drag a McLeod in the cab with me.

[@dronepilotcapebreton5720]

These men are absolute heroes…. Thank God for keeping them safe.

[@rowantheauthor959]

Respect to Mr Guzman...what a hero...in a quiet way...love this man !

[@WagonBurner1868]

a place where uncommon courage becomes a common sight. Hotshot for 6 years, best job i ever had. some of the best woman amd men i every had the priveliage to work with. Stay safe brothers

[@Revilo567]

I have goosebumps just by watching. This people are real heroes. RESPECT

[@JimmyJoe245]

I have all the respect in the world for these guys. They are a hell of a breed.

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

U weren’t too shabby in ur day either Paul!

[@ffandrewd2986]

The fact that the captain fit into the engine with his massive balls is unreal.

[@scottfoster2487]

First rule if you flee dump everything not needed and keep the fire shelter. This is a simple case of no look out and failure to stage resources based on the current fire behaviors

[@billsmith5109]

A common thread from fatal burn overs is failure to dump gear. The earlier the better. No one should die or get burned saving a shovel or a radio.

[@somevids4187]

@@billsmith5109 I think it’s also the case with people being orderly and valuing and caring for the stuff they have. And these guys probably are such people so even when things get out of hand they think “ok, it’s bad but not THAT BAD that if I don’t lose this shovel I die…”

[@Grognarthebarb]

@@somevids4187 like fuck worst case throw it on top of the truck

[@simplehonestmusic2261]

"I ditched the saw." "Fuck it!" "FUCK IT!"

[@MrPhife333]

Balls of steel right there, and a damned good leader. Thanks to him, they all made it out there. The guy deserves a medal. And he should never have to pay state or federal taxes again. Ever.

[@ZackChimento]

Living in southwest Oregon I have seen firsthand how unpredictable wildfire can be and how terrifying it can be. On my own channel I have footage of the South Obenchain and I watched from my home as engulfed an entire ridge within just a couple of hours. The embers also leapt northwest starting a massive secondary fire. This happened at the exact same time an arsonist started the Alameda fire 15mi south of us leading to multiple human deaths, 100s of animal deaths and the almost total destruction of 2 cities, Phoenix and Talent with 3000+ structures destroyed and 1000s more damaged. All of us here in Jackson County hold those who battle these fires with the highest level of respect and an immense debt of gratitude.

[@jimwattenburger4545]

Drop the tools and packs and haul ass ! WTH !

[@plz1277]

Thank you Ofc Guzman for your service and courage!

[@billycrystal5955]

That driver - cool as could be, then drove out with a man on his lap like its just another day on the job.

[@hoboeyjobi7020]

whoever told that guy to get in the truck is the real hero here lol, jesus that coulda been bad

[@BanjoZZZ]

His name is Jon

[@ARCtrooper8248]

This gets me thinking. We should design a QUICK removable seat. Like just *yank* and it flies right out the side of the truck.

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

...let’s work on roll-down fire shelter curtains in the cab FIRST before we start thinking about removable seats!

[@ARCtrooper8248]

@@johnnyhorizon8368 well yeah good point but I was working on the set that space was needed to fit the guys and it was the first thing that came to mind. Just open the door, FIRMLY GRASP IT and *yank* it's out. Yay more space.

[@ARCtrooper8248]

@@johnnyhorizon8368 also good idea

[@johnnyhorizon8368]

@@ARCtrooper8248 the situation (hand crew piling in the backseat of a T3 engine) that occurred in this video is EXTREMELY rare. On this style of engine there are sometimes (emphasis added) SCBA bottles integrated into the Bostrom mfg. seats. Trying to remove the seats with a SCBA bottle in it would be asking a lot. Hand crews are trained not to be caught in this situation but having worked on the unit that this video was filmed at IMO there should have been more urgency to RTO (reverse tool order) or maybe started pulling back sooner. Not trying to “arm chair QB” this situation tho. That I-5 corridor can be a wind tunnel!

[@acerabid9191]

@@johnnyhorizon8368 here in australia we have crew protection blankets that are mounted above the windows and are rolled down in an event of a burn over theyroll down and cover the windows completely and are fire proof

[@Catglittercrafts]

That is utterly terrifying

[@DRFelGood]

Smart move Capt Guzman “critical analysis moment”

[@KrystalNCMA]

I couldn't help bursting into tears watching this, imagining the horror that had to grip all of them as they were suddenly surrounded by flames.

[@Shaggerob]

G’Day! Have you looked at the spray protection systems that have been deployed across the rural fire services of Australia?

[@xaviergarcia7965]

I think it’s an issue of how they’re gonna massively integrate this into existing models of their Type I’s and III engines. It’s possible they could. I think it’s a practicality issue and it’s like, why will you fit out a type one engine that will only fight structures and like one in a million chance respond to a major wildfire.

[@MrRoblox1377]

"Did we get everyone?" "Fuck it."

[@Adelaide_Transit]

Do the brush trucks have crew protection systems? In Victoria, Australia we had a similar incident in 1995 when the flank became the head, 5 fire fighters died as a result of it. All modern Bush trucks now have emergency heat shields, Emergency air tanks and sprinklers that can be utilised. If the crew is out the ground a command of 3 short whistle blows is given, and they must get in their trucks and deploy this equipment.

[@Cthippo1]

No, those have not made it over here yet.

[@jdmbeats]

That's what I was wondering. How do the trucks withstand such high temperatures? Fire can literally melt a standard vehicle to nothing.

[@xaviergarcia7965]

@@jdmbeats they’re the fire department, they gotta have something right? I don’t know what you would do tho? Fire retardant paint? Is that even a thing?

[@MasterYota1]

Guzman is a hero and we thank him so much for his life and and what he did. 🙏 Thank you Sir.

[@owensweetland342]

Situational awareness. That's why he's the boss.

[@c.h.2503]

Dude was about to cook in a tin foil oven to save his men. Holy fuck.

[@DonegalOverlanding]

The speed that moves is borderline unbelievable, I have a new found respect for these events now. Gobsmacked!

[@truegret7778]

Great story. However, what protocol could possibly be in place that requires the engines to setup on both sides of the ingress|egress route? In other words, why would engines be stopped on both sides of the road, blocking egress? Hopefully, lessons were learned, and protocol updated and strengthened to ensure the safety to all the men and women first responders. Thank you, by the way, for your service and helping to keep us safe.

[@apexkilla]

Great point. That looked like total confusion and a total failure.

[@johnhill4964]

@@apexkilla They were initial attack on the flank and had just arrived when the fire jumped the road and became the head. No failure.

[@just-incase3483]

Because you were right?

[@ownlywon]

see the red engines, those are state trucks, the green engines are fed. state fire basically are a bunch of dumb shits when it comes to wildfires, hence you see them blocking the road, cuz they are state they think they can park wherever they want like a structure fire. we definitely have protocols on parking engines and one of them is definitely not to block exits and we park so the engine is always facing an exit. only thing theyre good for is to put a lot of water on the ground, which can be useful, but dont trust them to put a wildfire out though

[@keth8947]

yeah that was my thought process too. Seemed like a total clusterfuck over actually doing anything about the fire. Think firemen are great and all but this seemed to bring them down over making them "look good"

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I’ve been in a very similar situation in 1973.

[@wcresponder]

That man drinks for free... for ever! No questions asked ...ever.

[@lukehmaxw]

Shout out to the cap jumping head first into that rake out the cab! Didn’t even flinch lol. Bunch of bad asses right there!!

[@AngryNotSoOldHippy]

Holy crap. This is very rare yet it shows that it really is a fight, it really is a series of battles and some times fire can win despite all of the careful planning and despite doing everything right.

[@johndc7446]

WOW. Thank you guys for your service. 07(hand salute)

[@Robertmacmedia]

Captain proved why he’s a captain,

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

No he proved why he needs to be fired.. I am a Capt, been doing this for 15 years.. His crew should not have been hiding behind the pumpers this long.. I would have called this and over ridden this guy if i was the lead or LT... This guy needs to be fired

[@andreasblochl3977]

@@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 At least one expert! Absolutely agree this was avoidable! I am a pro firefighter in Germany 🇩🇪 and was two times in greece fighting forest fires

[@davidandrews2742]

This man deserves a Medal of Honor

[@Makingfinancialdecisions]

the fact that he had to ditch the saw really bothered him!!! Been there!!!

[@spawntez]

Mr. Guzman, you're a rock star and so are the rest of your crew.

[@milesfoster7579]

As someone who took a class in wild land firefighting with MRCA in the Las Virgenes District, I can say that man has some courage. Also having an escape route during such as quick change of events is very crucial and saved them all from a quick and sudden death.