UPS Driver Runs Into Burning Home, Delivers 101-Year-Old to Safety

What began as a routine delivery stop in Santa Ana turned into a dramatic rescue when a UPS driver helped save a 101-year-old woman from her burning condominium, according to authorities and family members.

Neighbors noticed thick smoke billowing from the condo of Ann Edwards, who lives alone, on Thursday. They rushed to the unit and found the kitchen filled with smoke as a fire alarm sounded, KTLA reported. While some residents banged on the front door, others tried to slow the fire—one using a fire extinguisher and another climbing a ladder to spray water through a roof vent with a garden hose.

When two neighbors finally reached Edwards, they found her disoriented and resistant to leaving the apartment. The women then flagged down UPS driver Willy Esquivel, who was nearby making deliveries.

“They said her apartment was on fire, and I looked up and saw smoke coming from the vent,” Esquivel told KTLA.

Esquivel entered the smoke-filled condo, located Edwards, lifted her, and carried her to a neighboring home. He stayed with her and tried to keep her calm while waiting for emergency crews.

“She was very disoriented,” he said. “She kept trying to talk but couldn’t really get the words out. I just told her everything was going to be okay.”

Firefighters arrived shortly afterward and extinguished the remaining flames, which had spread into the attic, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Edwards was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Her son said she remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.

The fire authority praised the outcome, calling it “a remarkable result made possible by quick action, teamwork, and people looking out for one another in a moment of need,” according to the Guardian.

Edwards’ son, Rick, thanked the neighbors and Esquivel publicly, telling the driver, “God bless you for sticking with her and getting her out of there.”

Despite being hailed as a hero by coworkers and residents, Esquivel downplayed the attention.

“I just did what I thought was right,” he said. “She’s someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother, great-grandmother. I was just in the right place at the right time.”

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