Watch CA Firefighters Save Winery's Flag from Wildfire

Oct. 2, 2020

"Even though we weren’t able to save the building, we never gave up. We were able to save the flag and stay in the fight," the Fremont Fire Department about saving a U.S. flag threatened by the Glass Fire.

By Joseph Geha

Source The Mercury News

Fremont, CA, firefighters rescued a flag threatened by the Glass Fire at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga this week.

FREMONT, CA—Local firefighters deployed to help battle the Glass Fire in the North Bay are being hailed as heroes after saving an American flag hung outside a building that was being overcome with flames.

Fremont firefighters from engine company 558 were working to save a building at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga this week, but once the crew realized the building would be lost, they focused on preserving the flag, according to the Fremont Fire Department, which shared words from the involved firefighters on its social media channels.

”Even though we weren’t able to save the building, we never gave up. We were able to save the flag and stay in the fight. Several properties were saved that night,” the post said.

“The flag gave us the pride to keep going when things were at their toughest.”

The department said firefighters Mike L., Seth G., Scott H., and Rusty E. were the ones who sent the update back home, that all their firefighters were doing well, and thanked all the deployed crews for their work against the blazes.

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this fire and all of the devastating fires burning throughout the state,” the department said in its Wednesday post.

People commenting on the social media posts lauded the crews for their work.

“Thank You FFD,” Laurie O’ Brien wrote on Facebook. “Saving the flag is a wonderful thing to do. Stay safe.”

“Extraordinary heroes during an extraordinary time,” Chris Cooper wrote on Facebook. “Stay safe and thank you for your courage!!”

“The destruction caused by the Glass Fire is devastating. I’m proud of Engine 558’s actions to save the flag despite being faced with unpredictable, dangerous fire conditions,” Fremont Fire Department Chief Curtis Jacobson said in an emailed statement Thursday.

“During what could’ve been a dark moment, I’m appreciative of the crew’s efforts to serve with dignity and honor, and share a moment of hope with us all,” Jacobson said.

Cal Fire said crews increased their containment of the Glass Fire to 5 percent by Thursday morning, while the blaze grew by about 5,000 acres overnight to 56,781 acres in total size.

At least 143 homes have been destroyed in Napa and Sonoma counties, and at least another 46 sustained damage by the flames.

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