Despite the hardship of starting from scratch after decades of being self-employed in a geographically isolated area that can feel like a snapshot from decades past, Steven Streufert said he was shocked and heartened by those who helped.
Streufert – a type one diabetic – passed out shortly before the fire began, was awoken by the flames and made it to the front porch before losing consciousness again. The smoke was spotted by a California Highway Patrol officer, who dragged Streufert from the porch to safety, where he was then loaded onto an ambulance and delivered to Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata.