By Dorothy Thatcher Santa Monica
Editor: In answer to the letter concerning L.A. fire fighters working with the Santa Monica Fire Department, my old house — 102 years old — was saved by just such collaboration. Last year an apparent arson-caused fire completely engulfed a three-story residence just 4 feet from my one-story wooden beach bungalow.
The S.M. firemen worked at the front of the building too keep flames from spreading into the neighborhood, and the L.A. department worked at the back of the lot and did the same.
It was truly a miracle that my home was saved and it was all due to the combined efforts of the two fire departments for which I am forever grateful. In any emergency we need all the trained help we can get.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 18, 2008. Read the original PDF.