After spending 19 exhausting days fighting the Eaton Fire, Cal Fire firefighter Ryan Wafford had an unexpected and heartwarming experience—helping deliver a baby on a freeway in Lake Elsinore.
From Battling Flames to Bringing Life
Wafford had just returned to his station in Perris, California, when he received an urgent call: A woman was in active labor on the side of Highway 74 and couldn’t make it to the hospital in time.
Without hesitation, Wafford and paramedic Adriana Piro responded to the scene, quickly loading the expectant mother into an ambulance and heading toward the nearest hospital.
A Baby in a Hurry
Just five minutes into the drive on the I-15 Freeway, Wafford and Piro realized they wouldn’t make it to the hospital in time.
“We assessed mom again, saw the baby’s head, and we knew it was time to deliver that baby,” Wafford recalled.
The pair immediately jumped into action, successfully delivering a healthy baby girl right there on the freeway.
A Special and Emotional Moment
For both first responders, this was an unforgettable experience.
“For a second there, my heart kind of swelled because I was so happy to be able to do this for somebody. I’ve always wanted to,” said Piro.
For Wafford, the moment was especially meaningful after nearly three weeks of witnessing destruction caused by the Eaton Fire.
“To see all that devastation and that tragedy was horrible, but to be able to finish it up on that 20th day by seeing a little girl coming into this world was a good way to finish,” Wafford said.
A Strong Team Bond
Amazingly, this wasn’t the first time Wafford and Piro had delivered a baby together.
“It was great to be able to deliver with her for the second time. It was kind of a special, fun bonding thing,” Wafford shared.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
While the Eaton Fire caused devastation across Southern California, this touching moment serves as a reminder of resilience and hope. Amid tragedy, first responders continue to serve their communities in unexpected and life-changing ways.
