2025 California Fire Storm

Sugar Pine, CA, Fire Captain Suffers Spinal Fractures Battling Palisades Wildfire

Jan. 21, 2025

Mi Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Capt. Greg Baker, who fell eight feet and landed on rocks, was rescued by firefighters via rope system.

Susan Nicol

Find Firehouse.com’s full coverage of the 2025 California Fire Storm, which began Jan. 7 near Los Angeles, here.

Mi Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Capt. Greg Baker is recovering from a broken back suffered while assisting with the Palisades Fire.

Baker was working in steep terrain when he fell about eight feet and landed on rocks.Firefighters set up a rope system to extricate him from the area, District Chief James Klyn told KCRA 3.

“He’s got a good attitude but he’s definitely in a lot of pain,” Klyn said adding that the injuries included fractures to “all” his lumbar vertebrae.

People wishing to send Baker well wishes are encouraged to drop off a card at the firehouse at 24247 Highway 108, send a message to PO Box 530, 95646, or post a message on the department's Facebook page.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.