At around 2:30 this afternoon, a grass fire ignited in a vacant unplowed 15 acre lot just west of the Zavala’s home at 1584 East Morton Ave. As the fire calls came in, two were already on their way and they weren’t from the Porterville fire department – they were good people performing great deeds.
Richard Sukat told the Post that he was outside cleaning off his porch when he smelled smoke and fire. He looked in the direction of the Zavala’s home and saw there was a grass fire breaking out and the wind was pushing it eastward. “I told my fried downstairs who was working on his tractor that there was a fire in that empty field and I’m going over to see if they need my help. Once I got there I saw Mr. Zavala standing outside and I asked if it was called in ?”
Matt Corbit, there second east-side hero, was driving by at the same time that Richard Sukat was running down to help and they both arrived at the scene at the same time. “I thought I’d stop and lend a hand and we started making a fire line as quick as we could because we saw that the fire was heading right towards the house.”
The Post pulled up not more than a few minutes after these hero’s got there and about a minute before the Porterville Fire Department arrived. And yet, it all worked out great ! The PFD had 4 units out there and CDF had two. All total it took about an hour and a half from start to finish, including the usual mop-ups.
Mr. Mike Zavala told the Post that he had called the Porterville Fire Department and they got there real fast. Zavala continued, “Me and my family have lived here for 4 years now and all I can say is thanks to Richard Sukut and Matt Corbit for coming to our rescue. If it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't have a house right now.”
Mr. Zavala also want the Post to tell the folks, “Make sure that you create a fire break around your home and make sure your neighbor does the same. I took care of my responsibility before April 1st, like the city ordinance said and I’m gald I took the time to plow around my home.”
Last but not least, the Post wants to commend the Porterville Fire Department for their skills and expertise. You guys brave these fires daily with heavy fire suits and additional fire equipment on your shoulders. Today was hot already and this grass fire made it a whole lot hotter.
And guess what folks … I put down my camera for a while and pulled some hoses for the fire department. Good people do great things – and Porterville is a Great Town.
