Residents close to the Northern California community of Campbellville were ordered to flee their houses last Wednesday in the path of the biggest wildfire in the state, the Park Fire, which has so far burned around 370 thousand acres.
Among them was someone riding in a truck that became disabled while escaping the fire zone with dogs.
“Unfortunately, the resident had to leave the truck behind which included two adult Rottweilers and their puppies,” the Butte County Sheriff said. “The owner gave responders the truck’s location; but, the fire made the area inaccessible right away.”
Fortunately for the dogs, though, hope remained.
Once aware of the dogs’ situation, Trevor Skraggs of the Butte County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue resolved to do his utmost to save them.
Skraggs was dropped down at a safe landing point some distance from the last sight of the dogs after helicopter travel into the fire zone.
“After arriving, Trevor ran 1.5 miles to the location and found the puppies and mother alive, but tired and very thirsty,” the sheriff’s office noted.
The father of the puppies had not lived, but Skraggs made sure the remainder of the family would not suffer the same end.
He water and food for them. Then he led the worn-out family back to the waiting chopper.
Skraggs’ heroic efforts had saved their lives.
Upon landing back outside the fire zone, Skraggs posed for photos with the dogs he’d rescued.
Amid so much tragedy, the dogs’ safe arrival proved to be a glimmer of hope.
Later, the canines were taken into the care of the organization North Valley Animal Disaster Group, which aims to keep displaced animals from the fire safe.
Both colleagues and the general public have praised Skraggs for his life-saving deeds.
“For our community, it has been a horrible few days,” the Butte County Sheriff noted. “We are glad we could tell this incredible tale.”
Click here to learn more about the North Valley Animal Disaster Group and to find out how you can help.