A bin man has been hailed a hero after saving an elderly woman during the deadly California fires.
Photo via @KCCINewsThree infernos have been causing chaos, devestation and heartbreak in the state, with around 50 people known to have died.
The causes of all three fires remains unknown, but dry underbush and high winds in the State combined with hot temperatures have created the perfect breeding ground for the fires to ignite and spread rapidly.
Thousands of firefighters have been searching through what's left of homes and cars searching for victims. The fire is the deadliest in the history of the state.
Dane Cummings was driving his bin lorry on his normal route in a part of California called Magalia, when a mandatory evacuation was issued for the area due to the rapidly spreading Camp Fire.
Proud to see Dane and Brian of our @WasteManagement team going the extra mile to help those in need. #WorldKindnessDay https://t.co/yMFVsxLCRu
— Jim Fish (@jimfishwm) November 13, 2018
Dane checked on elderly residents and came across 93-year-old Margaret Newsum on her front garden.
He has been servicing her home for eight years and was determined to keep her safe.
Speaking to TODAY, he said "I don't know that much about fires, but I knew if that fire came over that hill they were in trouble."
Related: Miley Cyrus, Gerard Butler lose homes in California wildfires
As he was familiar with the elderly woman, he was aware that she typically had a caretaker with her. When he approached her, Margaret told him that her caretaker had gone home that morning.
Margaret was recovering from a broken back, yet had made her way to the front garden to seek help with evacuation as the fire neared.
Speaking to TODAY, she said "He insisted — he wasn't pushy but he said, 'You're not staying here — you're going and I'm taking you".
"We've been real friends for eight years, and he wouldn't try to do anything that wasn't in my best interest."
Dane aided Margaret into his truck and drove her to safety.
Margaret is now staying with Dane's friend, as she doesn't have any family in the area.
"I have felt so welcome in this house. Things may not work in the way you want, but you have to have faith, and get good friends. They’re such wonderful people", she said.
Aerial video shows fire crews extinguishing a brush fire that sparked along the 118 Freeway in Simi Valley, California, on Monday. Firefighters were able to get the flames under control, preventing the fire from spreading further, according to KABC. https://t.co/geVxgAZRdM pic.twitter.com/oRJvjOPplb
— CNN (@CNN) November 14, 2018
Cover photo credit: CNN.com
