On August 15, 1979, a wildland fire began near the Spanish Ranch east of Nipomo in San Luis Obispo County. CDF Engine 5373 from Nipomo Fire Station was dispatched to this fast moving brush fire with Captain Edwin M. Marty, Firefighter Steve R. Manley, Firefighter Ronald T. Lorant, and Firefighter Scott W. Cox on board. Upon arrival at the scene of the fire, they accepted orders to attack the fire using firing tools and hand tools in support of firefighting bulldozers. The four men made an arduous climb under hot conditions up a steep mountain to perform their mission, control the fire.
While the men performed their mission a sudden wind shift occurred and the fire made an unexpected violent run toward their position. Even as this fire threatened their position and lives, Captain Edwin M. Marty, Firefighter Steve R. Manley, Firefighter Ronald T. Lorant, and Firefighter Scott W. Cox courageously attempted a firing operation to hold the line.
Despite their attempt at holding the line and protecting themselves from the oncoming flame front, Captain Edwin M. Marty, Firefighter Steve R. Manley, and Firefighter Ronald T. Lorant perished on that mountain. Fellow Firefighter Scott W. Cox was severely burned and died as a result of those burns on February 3, 1980.
The heroic conduct of these individuals reminds us of the courage and dedication necessary to perform the duties of a firefighter out on the firelines.
As long as fires burn on the mountains and valleys of San Luis Obispo County the citizens and firefighters of this County will remember the sacrifice Captain Edwin M. Marty, Firefighter Steve R. Manley, Firefighter Ronald T. Lorant, and Firefighter Scott W. Cox made.
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