Darryl Sanford
Fire Captain
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
9/19/2000
Special Act Award (Gold)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Captain Darryl Sanford, and Firefighter Will Krings, on, September 20th, 2000, performed an act of heroism at risk to their personal safety by entering a victim's home to save a civilian.
Fire Captain Sanford and Firefighter Krings of Butte County, Engine 71, found an older wood frame structure surrounded by heavy fuels on three sides. Firefighter Krings attempted to save the house by laying fire hoses outside the structure (alone) allowing Fire Captain Sanford the needed time to attempt the rescue. However, this idea was soon abandoned due to forty-foot flames impinged on the structure from the east, north and south. Fire Captain Sanford instructed Firefighter Krings to disconnect the hoses and take the engine to safer ground as he entered the structure to get the resident out. Firefighter Krings made his way back to the flame-engulfed home and attempted to enter the residence to aid Fire Captain Sanford in the rescue attempt.
The situation was worsening quickly and Firefighter Krings knew that it would be best not to enter the residence but instead help secure a way for Fire Captain Sanford and the resident to escape the burning home. Firefighter Krings went around outside the burning home, found a window, and began to knock and yell for Fire Captain Sanford to exit at his location. However, the inside exit to the window in the room was thickly cloaked in smoke and heavily littered with the resident’s furnishings making escape impossible. Meanwhile Fire Captain Sanford moved the woman into the back bedroom as the fire spread into the house front room and kitchen areas. He was unable to get the overcome victim out of the house through one small high bedroom window.
As the fire began to enter and flash over the bedroom ceiling, Fire Captain Sanford had to jump for his own life out of the small window.
Firefighter Krings assisted in getting Fire Captain Sanford who had suffered moderate to serious burns out of a very dangerous situation to a safety area after he jumped through the small high bedroom window to escape the flames.
Firefighter Krings then drove away from the flame-consumed home and surrounding burning terrain to seek further medical attention for Fire Captain Sanford. Despite heroic efforts to save Beverly Brooks, the Concow resident died in the burning house. Fire Captain Sanford suffered first and second-degree burns on his hands back elbow and face. Both Fire Captain Sanford and Firefighter Krings greatly risked their lives in an attempt to save a civilian.
Firefighter Krings assisted in getting Fire Captain Sanford who had suffered moderate to serious burns out of a very dangerous situation to a safety area after he jumped through the small high bedroom window to escape the flames.
Firefighter Krings then drove away from the flame-consumed home and surrounding burning terrain to seek further medical attention for Fire Captain Sanford. Despite heroic efforts to save Beverly Brooks, the Concow resident died in the burning house. Fire Captain Sanford suffered first and second-degree burns on his hands back elbow and face. Both Fire Captain Sanford and Firefighter Krings greatly risked their lives in an attempt to save a civilian.