While battling the fierce LA fires, a firefighter was captured on video, balancing the weight of a firehose in one hand while extending the other to a frightened dog named Max. With the canine’s home burning down, the firefighter intervened to offer Max a brief moment of calm and safety in the midst of the chaos.
LA firefighter douses flames while comforting lost dog
Slater Lee, a probationary firefighter with the San Marcos Fire Department, was on the front lines combating the relentless Eaton Fire when he encountered the distressed pup. With the fire reportedly consuming over 14,000 acres and only 35% contained, the situation was tense. Yet, Lee’s instincts led him to prioritize not only the containment of the flames but also the well-being of the frightened animal.
Lee spotted Max, a 60-pound dog, cowering in the front yard of a home engulfed in flames. The canine’s persistent barking was a clear call for help. Despite the challenging conditions, Lee reached out to the dog, managing to juggle the task of controlling the fire while reassuring Max. “Visibility was pretty poor initially, so we found a place that we could stake out,” Lee explained to ABC News. With one hand on the nozzle cooling the garage, Lee used his other hand to comfort the distressed animal.
Despite serving as a firefighter for just six months, Lee’s actions reflect his commitment and compassion. His chief commended him, noting that while new recruits come and go, “Slater is one of the good ones.”
Eventually, other citizens arrived and ensured Max’s safety. They were able to escort the dog out of the danger zone, allowing Lee to return to his primary task of battling the blaze. Thanks to Lee and his team, Max is now safe and expected to reunite with his family, shaken but unharmed.
