Los Angeles, Ca
L.A. fire captain saves Altadena neighborhood from wildfire
A Los Angeles Fire Department captain, along with his brother and son, are being hailed as heroes for saving an entire block of homes in his neighborhood from the Eaton Fire.
Capt. Dan Lievense was on duty fighting the Hurst Fire near Sylmar when flames from the Eaton Fire began burning toward his Altadena home.
After he was relieved from duty that day, Lievense called his brother, who is also an LAFD firefighter, for help and along with Lievense’s son, the three of them stayed in the neighborhood to ensure the fire did not spread to more homes.
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Los Angeles Fire Department captain Dan Lievense and his brother used an ax to cut out a portion of a burning roof at a nearby poolhouse to stop the flames from spreading. (Lievense Family) -
Los Angeles Fire Department captain Dan Lievense worked alongside his brother and son to help save 14 homes in his Altadena neighborhood from the Eaton Fire. (Lievense Family) -
Nearby Altadena homes that burned in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Nearby Altadena homes that burned in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Homes across the street from Dan Lievense’s house did not survive the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)
Lievense secured hundreds of yards worth of hose line from a nearby L.A. County fire station and hooked it up to a fire hydrant on his street.
For over 48 hours, the three of them stayed awake to battle the fire, determined to save as many homes as they could.
“It’s great what I could save, but I’m always questioning myself thinking, ‘Could I have done more?’” Lievense tells KTLA’s Sara Welch. “I do feel proud of what we were able to save and all the neighbors are very thankful. We were able to pretty much keep [the flames] in the backyards and saved about 14 houses on this block.”
Lievense said he couldn’t have achieved the feat without the help of his brother and son.
“I’m glad I had my brother and my son here that we were able to come up with a plan,” he said. “It was reassuring to know the amount of protection you can do with just three people and a fire hydrant.”
Lievense said his oldest son plans on following in his footsteps, pursuing a career as a firefighter as well.