Sutcliffe Residents Rescued from Fire Express Gratitude to Firefighters

Two Sutcliffe residents escaped the flames of the Tule Fire last week, but they couldn't have done it without the help from first responders. Now the Johnson family wants to express their gratitude to the firefighters who saved their lives and property. 

Phil and Emma Johnson had little time to evacuate when the flames came rushing toward their home. Thanks to firefighters who risked their own lives to protect others, they were able to make it out safely.

"There was so much black smoke and flames," said Phil Johnson. 

The Johnson's rushed to find each other on their property next to Pyramid Lake, but both are handicapped.

"Neither one of us can move very fast," said Johnson. 

They struggled to get out in time. 

Johnson adds, "We could see the flames above the height of the fire trucks. It jumped the highway, and burned straight down the highway to my yard, in just seconds."

With thick smoke filling the air, Phil says it was not only hard to breathe, it was hard to see when he was searching for his wife.

"By the time I got to the house, the fireman had picked her up and carried her away and were looking for me," said Johnson. 

As one firefighter carried Emma Johnson to safety, another fireman then helped escort Phil in his car. He drove through a path to a fence cut open by fire crews.

Without assistance, Phil said, "It might had been a different outcome if the firemen hadn't showed up at that time. Because the fire moved so fast."

Now ashes cover the driveway leading up to the Johnson's home. Fire retardant coats the roof and buildings on their property. But Phil and his wife say they are thankful for the efforts by first responders.

Johnson said, "The firemen were here taking lives into consideration first before property. which really is the admirable thing to do."

While spending time with the Johnson family out on their property, several fire crews could be seen still working on containment of the fires nearby.