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Toyota Offers to Replace Heroic Nurse’s Fire-Damaged Tundra [News]

A Califorina nurse drove his truck through the devastating Camp Fire to save patients' lives

This Toyota Tundra owner drove his truck through the devastating Camp Fire to evacuate hospital patients.

The devastating Camp Fire continues to rage on, burning more than 117,000 acres and claiming the town of Paradise, California. As residents flee from the unprecedented destruction, some amazing stories have emerged. One such story is that of Allyn Pierce, a local nurse, and his Toyota Tundra. On his Instagram account, Pierce tells the story of how his white Tundra – nicknamed “the Pandra” saved his life. “The town of Paradise was literally burning down around me and @the_pandra got me to safety where I could help others…twice.”

It wasn’t enough for Pierce to simply escape the fire himself. Along the way, the registered nurse went to a hospital to evacuate patients. He certainly had some close calls, as the New York Times recounts. “I was like, ‘I think I’m done,'” Pierce said as the growing flames surrounded the Tundra. “I just kept thinking, ‘I’m going to die in melting plastic.'” He even went so far as to record a goodbye message to his family. Then, out of the smoke, a bulldozer emerged to clear the path for Pierce so he could get out. From there, he managed to evacuate patients from the hospital to safety.

Toyota steps in

Later, he posted on Instagram, also thanking firefighters, law enforcement and his fellow healthcare workers for the work they did evacuating the hospital and getting his patients to safety. To date, over 38,000 people have liked Pierce’s post, but the story doesn’t stop there. Toyota also responded to his post, offering to get him a new truck. The company said in a comment, “We are humbled you’d risk your life and Toyota Tundra to drive people to safety. Don’t worry about your truck, we’re honored to get you a new one!”

[Photo: @the_pandra via Instagram]After his heroic actions, there’s no one more deserving of a new truck. The folks on Instagram praised Pierce for his actions, and commended Toyota for the classy move. A good samaritan also set up a GoFundMe page for the Pierce family, as they also lost their home in the fire that destroyed Paradise.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and loved ones in the California wildfires. The Times also posted a useful article showing how you can help those who have been affected, should you wish to do so.

Update 11/13/18 – A Toyota spokesperson released the following statement:

“Our hearts go out to the victims of the devastating California wild fires. We are extremely grateful to all of the emergency crews who are working tirelessly to extinguish the fires and helping people to safety. We are especially thankful to one hero in particular, Allyn Pierce, for risking his life and sacrificing his Toyota Tundra to drive people to safety. Toyota is so humbled by Mr. Pierce’s selfless act that we’re pleased to offer him a brand new Tundra.”