Man Saves Strangers’ Home from L.A. Wildfire

Tony currently works as a photographer, but had previous experience as a firefighter in New York. He reported the address to 911, but knew that the fire department’s resources had been called to dozens of hot spots around the city and that crews might face delays.

Tony also knew from experience that a fire in one home could become a catalyst for flames to spread to the entire neighborhood. He rushed to the home, grabbed a garden hose and personally battled the growing blaze. His bravery saved a stranger’s home and likely prevented the fire from destroying others in the area.

The homeowners, Vince and Candice Brocato, knew about the fire that threatened their neighborhood, although they were not home at the time. They watched their security camera live stream in despair, hoping to assess the danger that threatened their home of 30 years. The camera points toward the street, so it offered little comfort.

The couple felt helpless as they watched the air outside their home suddenly thicken with smoke and fill with swirling embers. As the flames inched closer, they knew their home faced imminent danger.

Then they saw Tony, a total stranger, wandering onto their property.

“Hello, can I help you?” Vince called out to the stranger through his Ring security system.

“Your house is on fire,” Tony shouted back.

By that time, the flames had already reached the back of the home – an area not visible to the security camera. Tony had been standing between the fire and their home with the garden hose, desperately trying to keep the flames at bay.

When the couple returned home, they were shocked to find that, against the odds, their home survived. The charred wood on their deck provided evidence of just how close the flickering flames came to destroying their home. Thanks to a stranger’s kindness, the Brocato’s returned to an intact home filled with their cherished memories and keepsakes.

“If our house had gone, the neighborhood would have gone,” Candice reflected.

Vince and Candice expressed deep awe and gratitude to Tony for his incredible act of bravery and kindness. They invited their hero back to their home to thank him in person.

“What do you get someone who did this, right?” Candice wondered aloud. She handed Tony a gift bag filled with a hoodie and a fire blanket as a thank you.

“You’re a good man. Good man,” said Vince with deep emotion as he patted Tony on the shoulder.

The Foundation For a Better Life and PassItOn believe that Tony is a hero. His action is a great example of the value of bravery. Tony acted out of compassion and empathy. He left the safety of his own home to prevent a devastating loss for strangers. Please help us celebrate Tony by sharing his inspiring story.