Firefighters Rescue Dog Amid Apple Fire

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —Every life matters to firefighters, even the four-legged kind. A group of Orange County Firefighters at work on the Apple Fire discovered and rescued a wayward dog Monday afternoon, OCFA tells Patch.

The below video of the compassionate rescue by the Santiago Hand Crew has swept across social media.

The Apple Fire began Friday in the area of Cherry Valley and has since consumed over 31 square miles of wildland, according to the San Bernardino National Forest Service. The blaze has destroyed at least one home and two outbuildings and led to 7,000 residents' evacuation. During evacuations, sometimes animals are left behind.

The Santiago hand crew discovered this Australian Shepherd and stopped to give him food and water, OCFA Capt. Greg Barta told Patch.

They lured the frightened animal away from danger, where they worked on a ridgeline.

Firefighters hand-carried the dog down a steep slope away from the fire and out of danger.

They escorted the exhausted dog down the hill and ultimately handed him over to awaiting animal control personnel.

It is unknown, as of this report, if the dog suffered any burns or other injuries.

Multiple fire crews from across Orange County are lending a hand in mutual aid with the fire.

"They're motivated and ready to make a difference," Barta says. "It's a great thing, when everyone helps surrounding agencies."

Though the crews are hard at work helping our neighbors, the stations close to home are well-staffed for the current conditions, he says. "We are making note of the weather, and increased heat and low humidity. We're fully staffed and ready."

Read also: Apple Fire In Cherry Valley: Latest On Evacuations, Size, Spread.