Woman anonymously treats California firefighters to free meals
The firefighters said they had been thanked before but 'never to this level of generosity'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman has anonymously treated several firefighters from Colton, California to a free meal.
The firefighters had been working all day on the La Cadena wildfire in La Loma Hills, near San Bernardino, California when they headed to a local Denny's restaurant for dinner.
The crew had fought 15 to 20 wildfires that week alone.
The mystery benefactor approached the cashier and paid $355 (£274) for all their food, plus $50 (£39) tip.
She also paid for a $100 (£77) gift card to be used to buy dessert for the next round of arriving firefighters.
The brigade's Public Information Officer Captain Tom DeBellis told CNN that "the waitstaff told the firefighters, but by that time she was already gone."
Chief Tim McHargue wished he could thank the woman, who restaurant staff said did want to be recognised for her gift.
Mr DeBellis said that normally people will bake cookies, bring sandwiches, and cold drinks "as thanks for the guys' hard work. The guys really appreciate it."
He added though, that the firefighters had "never [been thanked with] this level of generosity."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments