Hats Off
We're here to get you there - and out of the fire
Left to right (back row) Kannon and Honalee Newman, (front row) Michael Quinliven, Johnathan Garcilazo and Takoda Newman pose for a photo after Quinliven saved the woman and children from the Mendocino Complex Fire as it engulfed State Route 20 on July 29.
Photo by District 1
"Today we had a very close call while driving across State Route 20 after picking my kids up from Leoni Meadows Summer Camp. We made it all the way to the Buffalo Ranch when just two cars ahead of us, the Ranch Fire jumped over State Route 20 and was burning on both sides of us. They made us pull over, but suddenly the flames were all around the car. The smoke was so thick I couldn't see.
"Suddenly there was a knock on my window. It was a Caltrans guy [District 1 Tree Maintenance Supervisor Mike Quinliven], clearly as scared as I was.
"He said, 'follow me!' I could barely see his orange flashing lights as he drove right in front of me.
"I am so thankful for him. He saved this Mama and three kids today!"
Honalee Newman
Ukiah, CA