A garbage truck caught fire on Mount Triumph Way in Orange County around 7:50 a.m. on a recent Friday. Disastrously, the blazing vehicle was mere feet away from the home of Mark and Candice Holman in Yorba Linda. The vehicle had malfunctioned, igniting and dangerously threatening the nearby properties and its operator.
The situation could have further escalated when the burning truck hit two of the Holmans vehicles before being set in motion down the hill. The fire spread to the hillside, further exacerbating the peril. However, the operator of the truck displayed a remarkable act of bravery, authorities report.
Despite the hazardous condition of the vehicle being fully engaged in flames, the unnamed operator risked her life. She had initially leaped out of the vehicle when the fire began but then jumped back in to activate the emergency brake, stopping the trucks dangerous descent.
Officials confirmed that despite the risky maneuver, the operator did not sustain any injuries. Sean Doran, Orange County Fire Authority Captain, praised the outcome, highlighting the potential disastrous consequences had the truck careered into a home or the operator been struck by her own vehicle.
The fire resulted in some loss for the Holmans, who reported that many of their Christmas presents stored in their vehicles were destroyed. Candice Holman commended the brave driver, emphasizing the value of human life above replaceable material goods. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Orange County Fire Authority.
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