Heroes of the SoCal Fires

by Mac Duffy

In the midst of all the destruction of the devastating Southern California fires in the past two months, there were incredible stories of courage and triumph. It is our pleasure to highlight over the next few issues the heroic men and women who put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens.

Quite a Day for Pali Mountain. Andy Wexler, owner of Pali Mountain Adventures, a multifaceted camp facility in Running Springs, CA, owes a great deal to the many heroes who helped save his camp, but he would like to especially thank the man who "was just at the right place at the right time." On Tuesday, October 23rd, Andy was the last one at the camp, making sure everyone had evacuated, when he looked out towards the paintball fields and saw "trees exploding" as the fire approached Pali. Immediately, he called the fire department, and 15 minutes later, "one lone fireman arrived on the scene" - Captain Steve Davis.

Capt. Davis is an unassuming, compassionate man who'd sooner give credit to someone else rather than take it himself. He happened to be driving on Hwy 18 on his way to Green Valley and that part of what was referred to as the "Slide Fire" when he heard on the radio that the fire was approaching a summer camp. As good fortune would have it, he drove around the next bend and there was the entrance to Pali. As Capt. Davis made his way to the main lodge, he had a better idea of the proximity of the fire. It wasn't good for Pali, definitely an imminent threat, so Steve radioed for help. Unfortunately, he couldn't get through at that moment. Undeterred, Steve found Andy and asked if the camp had any fire equipment. They raced to get the equipment where it needed to be, but by that time, the fire "was really kicking up". Embers were raining down, causing spot fires and igniting part of the main lodge. According to Steve, he immediately ordered Andy to leave, and for the next 15 minutes did the best he could to save the lodge and put out fires wherever he could. In the meantime, Andy, called every agency he could to tell them Capt. Davis' situation. Soon, a Sheriff's Deputy arrived, followed by the welcome site of the strike team that was rerouted to offer assistance. If not for Capt. Davis' quick thinking and initiative, thousands of children would have lost what has become an important part of their lives each year, and many employees would have lost their jobs. This is an amazing example how one person can positively effect the lives of many, if not countless, others. According to Andy, "if it was not for Steve Davis, (Pali) would not be standing right now." But, Steve is a humble guy and speaks of the experience in simple, straightforward terms. "It was really gratifying to be in the right place at the right time," he says. "It's nice to know it had a nice ending for the folks who own the camp and those who have enjoyed it in the past."

Thank you, Steve, and thanks to the many members of the strike crew that arrived to help Capt. Davis save Pali.