Sonoma County

Firefighters Recount Harrowing Moments on Wildfire Front Lines

Hundreds of firefighters on the front lines of the North Bay wildfires have stories of trying to save homes and lives, some of them doing so with unusual tactics.

The crew at Engine Company 11 in Santa Rosa no doubt had to improvise quickly after its firefighters found themselves involved in the firestorm of the century Sunday.

"The playbook went out the window," said Byron Reid, an 18-year veteran of the Santa Rosa Fire Department. "You had to use the materials around you."

The blaze that swept through neighborhoods and commercial properties was something Engine Company 11 had never seen.

"There was a time we were surrounded by fire, 360 degrees, commercial structures to your right multiple trailers in front of you," Reid said. "We made entry into one of the houses, we went to the sink."

There was no water coming from the faucet, so Reid and his crew mates were forced to improvise.

"We couldn’t find any available water," he recalled. "We literally went into the refrigerator and got a gallon of milk to fight the fire, and that worked."

Reid soon realized his city was getting help from surrounding agencies. Firefighters from Berkeley were on their way. Mike Shuken was one of the first responders.

"Apocalyptic," he said. "It’s one of those terms, what we felt like when we showed up."

Reid was glad they did, saying the mutual aid to battle the inferno will never be forgotten.

"It’s been a testament how everyone has come together in Sonoma County," Reid said. "Formed together as one."

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