Park Fire Consumes House of Beale, CA, Battalion Chief

Aug. 2, 2024
"If I wasn't home, I don't think my wife and kids would've made it out," Beale Fire & Emergency Services Battalion Chief Daniel Figaratto said.

Beale Fire and Emergency Services Battalion Chief Daniel Figaratto was keeping an eye out on the Park Fire from his house.

At first, the fire seemed to be far enough away that he, his family would be safe.

But, things changed quickly. He didn't like what he was seeing. 

It was time to go -- immediately.

After rounding up the horses, he and his family that includes his pregnant wife and five children headed out.

Though their vehicle was hit by fire retardant, they made it to safety. Their house burned to the ground.

"If I wasn't home, I don't think my wife and kids would've made it out," he said. 

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.