Shortly after the Eaton Fire started earlier this month in Orange County CA, Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy lost contact with his brother and decided to check on him. KABC-TV reports that Fennessy arrived to find the neighborhood engulfed in flames. Fortunately, his brother and family had safely evacuated, and their home, along with a neighbor’s, was still standing amidst the widespread destruction.
While checking on his brother’s home, Fennessy saw that the gas meter on the neighbor’s house was beginning to melt. This would blow both of the houses up if it continued. He needed to cool it off. He found a hose, but there was no water available.
He then ran to a neighbors house and found milk and beer in the neighbor’s refrigerator and used them to cool the gas meter. "It wasn't completely out, so I wasn't sure if it was going to rekindle, but it was all I could do. I'm still amazed it worked". Those are the only 2 houses standing in a 3 block radius!
Fennessy brother is so thankful for Brian. His neighbor said "best decision I ever made was buying the house next door to the fire chiefs brother. But I didn't even know that guy when I bought the house. Actually wanted a different house but my wife said 'I just feel like we're supposed to get this one'. That other house is now gone. I guess I should say the best decision I ever made was listening to my wife's intuition".