Los Angeles Firefighter Speaks Out After Photos of Him Comforting Dog Who's Home Was Burning Go Viral


The devastating fires that have blazed across much of Los Angeles County have left countless people and animals displaced, and it’s changed the face of one of America’s most iconic cities forever. At the same time, though, there have also been stories of bravery, selflessness, and love that provide a sense of hope in a heartbreaking time. One of those stories came from a viral photograph out of Altadena, where the heart of the Eaton fire has been burning.

On January 8, fire crews battled the blaze in the middle of a neighborhood when firefighter paramedic Slater Lee noticed a dog curled up in the yard of his home. The brave boy barked at the flames that had already engulfed his home as Lee reached out a hand to comfort him. The bittersweet moment that followed became a viral sensation, and now we finally know what happened after Lee met Max, the brave dog who protected his home.

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Slater Lee met with ABC News to share the story of his interaction with Max, which ended with the pup being escorted to safety. Even so, concerned commenters are interested to know how the story began.

Gabe Cortez is a photographer who was on the scene of the fire when Max’s house suddenly exploded. The dog’s family was right there with him until the explosion, at which point Max became spooked and ran off. The dog’s owners had to evacuate immediately for their safety, but fortunately, Cortez kept an eye on the dog the entire time—including during his interaction with Lee.

Related: Former Shelter Dogs Go to Work in the Aftermath of the LA Fires to Assist with Search & Rescue

“The whole garage was involved in pretty heavy flames, and I looked to my side, and the dog was seated with its tail between its legs, just curled in the corner of the front yard, still barking, just in a really sad position,” Lee told ABC News. With one hand, he hosed down the flames in the family’s garage, but with the other, he gently petted the nervous dog to comfort him.

Shortly after, dog trainer Christopher Abkarian stepped in to help Max until he could be reunited with his family. He took the dog to his training facility, where he’s been staying since the fire. His owners have been in contact with the trainer, but since their home was damaged, he’s been caring for the dog for the time being.

This emotional story touched millions of hearts across the Internet, and it feels like a sigh of relief to learn that everyone involved, including big dog Max, is safe following the terrifying Eaton Fire. Lee, Abkarian, and Cortez are true heroes for this family!

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