Firefighter

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

9/20/2000

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Captain Jeff Hawkins, Firefighters Joe Saunders, and Paul Carlos on, September 20, 2000, performed an act of heroism at risk to their personal safety by entering a victim's home to save a civilian. At approximately 1:00 p.m., on September 19th, 2000, a wildfire started west of Concow Road, north of the Concow School and approximately 15 miles north of Oroville. The fire continued to spread after burning 800 acres and scorching two residences. Shortly after 2:20 a.m., on September 20th, 2000, Fire Captain Hawkins with Firefighters Joe Saunders and Paul Carlos from Engine 72 were checking two residents on Stagecoach Lane about 4 miles south of Nelson Bar Road. After about 10 minutes, Captain Hawkins noticed the wind began to blow toward them and smoke was blowing over their heads and he noticed a firebrand ignited in the star thistle about 100 feet ahead of Engine 72. The firefighters pulled a hose line, but the fire grew in intensity and placed them all in danger. Captain Hawkins disengaged the pump, repositioned Engine 72, noticed there were multiple spot fires ahead and behind them, and radioed for help. The main fire was rapidly burning toward a home on Stagecoach Lane and Captain Hawkins became concerned for the two residents at the end of the lane because he felt they were trapped. Engine 71 drove south on Stagecoach Lane toward Engine 72. Fire Captain Sanford from Engine 71 radioed Captain Hawkins that he would go to the first house and attempt to protect it. Engine 72 had to abandon the hose line, move Engine 72 to the driveway of the first house and found the mobile home occupants Ray and Richard McCarty attempting to save their residence. Fire Captain Hawkins knew Engine 72 must evacuate the McCarty's because the smoke and fire conditions were very serious around the residence. The wildfire was rapidly approaching from the east driven by strong northeast wind. Without regard for their own lives, the personnel of Engine 72 placed Ray and Richard McCarty into the cab of Engine 72, drove them through blinding smoke and flames engulfing the engine to a safer location near Stagecoach Lane and Nelson Bar Road.