FireFighter Comforts Dog Wandering L.A. Neighborhood Engulfed In Flames
As wildfires tears through Los Angeles, California firefighters are valiantly battling blazes, including the Eaton Fire affecting neighborhoods in Pasadena and Altadena. Footage captured on January 8th by ABC World News Tonight went viral for capturing an emotional scene during the blaze. A firefighter holds a firehose in one hand while hosing down a burning home while using his other hand to reach down and pet a lost dog.
In the clip posted to TikTok, a dog walks along a sidewalk after emerging from a block of burning homes in Altadena. A nearby firefighter caught sight of the scared dog and called him over and tries to comfort him by patting his head.
@abcworldnews In #Altadena, #California, a #firefighter consoled a #dog that was wandering the charred streets with one hand, while also working to extinguish the flames engulfing the neighborhood with the other. A local #rescue ♬ original sound – ABC World News Tonight
ABC World News later reported that a local rescue found the dog and brought him to safety. It turns out the person who rescued the dog is Chris Abkarian, a dog trailer with Whittier Dog Club. He got a call about the dog and went to get him, braving the blaze to rescue the pup. With the help of first responders, he brought Max to his facility. Currently the Whittier Dog Club is providing shelter to displaced pets.
Social media users were moved to tears, commenting the firefighter is a “real hero” while their hearts went out to the people and pets affected by the blaze.
Hundreds of animals have arrived at Pasadena Humane over the past few days. The shelter noted on January 10 on their Facebook page: “As the Eaton Fire continues to devastate our community, Pasadena Humane has taken in over 400 animals. Thank you so much for your outpouring of support – it has meant the world to us during this difficult time. We need your help more than ever as we continue to take in animals who are lost, injured, and displaced. Your monetary donation helps us provide emergency resources to animals who need it most: https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134
