Orange County Fire Chief Saves Home with Milk and Beer During Eaton Fire in Altadena

"I thought I'll check the refrigerator and all that was in there was some milk and a couple beers," said Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy
Photo: ABC 7

As the devastating Eaton Fire advanced toward Altadena, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy found himself in an unusual and life-saving situation. While trying to reach his brother, who lives in the neighborhood, Fennessy was forced to take extraordinary measures to prevent a gas meter from igniting and potentially causing further destruction.

Fennessy, who was born and raised in Altadena, had been monitoring the fire’s progress when he lost contact with his brother. Concerned for his family’s safety, he drove up to the area. Thankfully, his brother later called to confirm that he and his family had safely evacuated. However, Fennessy, already in the area, decided to inspect the property and check on neighboring homes.

What he discovered next was a critical situation: a gas meter at a nearby home was dangerously close to catching fire. With no water available from a hose, Fennessy was forced to act quickly. Desperate to find something to cool the meter, he broke into a nearby house to search for a solution. Inside, he found only milk and a few beers in the refrigerator.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the items and ran back outside to cool the gas meter. “I thought, ‘I’ll check the refrigerator,'” Fennessy recalled in an interview with 60 Minutes and ABC’s KABC affiliate. “All that was in there was some milk and a couple of beers.” He used the milk and beer to try and cool the meter down, pulling it away from the flames. Although the fire wasn’t entirely extinguished, his quick thinking likely prevented a more catastrophic explosion.

“It wasn’t completely out, so I wasn’t sure if it was going to rekindle, but it was all I could do,” Fennessy said. His unconventional method was enough to protect the home from further damage, but it wasn’t the only act of heroism he witnessed during the fire.

According to Fennessy, only two homes in the neighborhood survived the massive blaze, which has ravaged thousands of acres in California. “I think this is our new reality,” he said. “This house-to-house, these urban conflagrations, we’re going to start seeing them more and more.”

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The Eaton Fire, which is currently 65% contained as of January 17, has claimed 16 lives and burned more than 14,000 acres, according to CAL Fire. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, with containment efforts focused on preventing further spread to residential areas.

Fennessy’s experience is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the resourcefulness that first responders like him must demonstrate in the face of danger. While the use of milk and beer may seem odd, it was a necessary, last-resort action that helped mitigate a potentially devastating situation. For Fennessy, it marked the first time he had ever used such unconventional methods to fight a fire.

In the aftermath, Fennessy and other local firefighters have stressed the need for increased preparation as California faces more frequent and intense wildfire seasons. Urban wildfires, where residential neighborhoods are directly impacted, are becoming more common, as Fennessy noted. As these fires continue to grow in size and intensity, the state is looking for new ways to mitigate their impact on communities.

The Eaton Fire has underscored the importance of quick decision-making in emergency situations and the resilience of those tasked with protecting lives and property. First responders like Fennessy continue to put their lives on the line to save others, and as California grapples with its wildfire crisis, stories of bravery and innovation, like his, provide a glimpse into the unorthodox measures often required to protect homes and lives.

With the fire still burning and the danger not yet fully contained, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared. For those impacted by the fire, efforts to assist victims are underway, with local organizations and businesses offering support for displaced families.

As Californians continue to face the growing threat of wildfires, the courage of individuals like Chief Brian Fennessy serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resourcefulness needed in the fight against these natural disasters.

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