LOS ANGELES - On October 2nd, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) recognized the off-duty actions of Engineer Danny Lynch who selflessly saved multiple homes in his neighborhood during the raging Thomas Fire in Ventura County. Also present for the recognition was Captain Dennis Cameron of the Torrance Fire Department, who was on a Thomas Fire Strike Team that Engineer Lynch teamed up with.

The incident took place Dec 3rd and 4th, 2017. Captain Cameron’s Engine company arrived in the city of Ventura around midnight to Engineer Lynch’s neighborhood that already had multiple homes burning and civilians evacuating. Fortunately Danny had his turnouts with him. He approached Captain Cameron on the street, identified himself as an off-duty LAFD firefighter, and asked if he could help. Several houses were burning on both sides of the street and resources were spread very thin, so Captain Cameron gave Mr. Lynch some quick direction. Danny then took off with a hoseline to a house that was just starting to light off and swiftly went to work. He came back a few minutes later saying flames were in the attic and wanted a pike pole, then took off again. A few minutes later he returned again asking for a chainsaw and ladder. This time Captain Cameron went with Engineer Lynch to check on his progress.   

At this point he had already pulled ceiling and knocked down the bulk of the fire from inside the house, but recognized that the roof needed to be opened up to fully extinguish the fire and save the house. Both members went to the roof, Danny cut several holes and then brought the hoseline to the roof to complete extinguishment. Engineer Lynch spent almost an hour by himself making sure this house didn’t burn down. His actions continued...  

At this point he pulled his hoseline down the street to assist Firefighters battling other burning homes, and continued to work with the Strike Team through the night until the water supply was lost and all companies had to retreat.  

It is important to mention that the Thomas Fire was the largest wildfire the State of California had ever seen at that point, and approximately 240 homes were threatened in Danny's neighborhood alone. Fire resources were stretched to their max, therefore Danny was required to at times to act alone, however he made calculated operational decisions based upon safety and situational awareness, while wearing full personal protective equipment, and maintaining close communication with the Strike Team Captain.

Due to his courageous actions, Engineer Lynch was responsible for saving several homes, and is worthy of formal recognition.

Photo Album

(Additional LAFD Award Presentation Videos)