A California Department of Fish and Wildlife warden who was working as part of a mutual aid patrol in support of the Valley Fire in Northern California was being called a hero Friday for risking his life to save two elderly women and an 11-month-old girl who were trapped by the flames.
Warden Timothy Little was patrolling in the small town of Cobb, when he heard an emergency radio call that an elderly woman was trapped with her baby granddaughter in her home and needed immediate rescue, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
After learning that other units were unable to respond because of fire and debris in the roadway, Little headed toward the home, a news release from the CDFW stated.
“Driving his four-wheel drive patrol vehicle through raging fire and burning road hazards, he found and entered the home, where he located an elderly woman trapped in the house with her 11-month-old granddaughter,” the release stated.
Little was able to get both out of harm’s way just minutes before fire destroyed the home, CDFW officials said.
Shortly afterward, Little responded to a call in the neighboring town of Anderson Springs where another elderly woman needed help.
He arrived to find the woman trapped on the second floor, unable to walk. Little carried her down a flight of stairs to a civilian vehicle and escorted them out of immediate danger, the release stated.
“The entire department is incredibly proud of every warden in the field who is supporting efforts to fight the raging wildfires in northern California,” said CDFW Chief of Patrol David Bess. “Tim Little’s bravery and courage are a credit to both CDFW and the State of California.”