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A hero at the fire |
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August 27, 2015 |
(Editor's Note: This letter was received
from Ms. Downing shortly after the Parker Ridge
Fire broke out across the West Side Road. We
apologize for the delay in its publication on
our website).
August 15, 2015
To the Editor:
I give you Victor Amoth and his boys Dallas,
Chris, and Vance.
I didn't hear their stories but his was a word
picture. I could visualize the biggest flames
he'd ever seen and he's fought fire for years.
He spoke of winds so strong he could barely
stand. Fire so quick that a ten bottom plow line
didn't slow the fire a moment. Frightened cattle
that milled but could not find a way past the
fence. It was so hot, the cows may have suffered
burns, so Victor drove a truck through the fence
to free them.
He spoke of running as fast as he could; he has
to be near 70 years. He fell in the fire where
he burned his arm.
Yet in the midst of this constant horrendous
work in the face of catastrophic fire, humor.
His partner backed his truck up into Victor and
their bumpers locked. In the excitement, Victor
couldn't find reverse quick enough to avoid the
collision. The lead truck finally just slammed
it into gear to go forward, finally unlocking
the bumpers.
He went to bed about 4:00 a.m. after the rain.
These men and all the men like him who risked
life and limb to protect people, animals, and
property can not be thanked enough! Where would
we be without them all. You know who you are.
Until you get a better one in heaven...Thank
You!
Vicki D. Downing |
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