Teacher Saves Students from Burning Car

A teacher at rescued two students from a burning car Monday afternoon at the Carmichael school, a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District official confirmed.

A car in the parking lot of the school on Hackberry Lane was seen leaking fluid and caught fire at about 3 p.m., said Asst. Fire Chief Scott Cockrum. The car was fully engulfed in flames, with fire coming from beneath the car.

Witnesses saw the fire and school teachers, staff members and a parent assisted to rescue two children and their father from the car, Cockrum said.

Teacher Judy Dronberger told News 10 that second grade teacher Elaine Johnson ran to the car and ripped the door off.

Another teacher used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out, Cockrum said. There were no injuries reported and the damage to the car was not significant.

"Certainly, the priority in any fire is saving lives," Cockrum said. "The school staff and parent reacted quickly and assisted to get the children and the adult out of the car; it was a brave effort on their part."

Cameron Ranch officials declined to comment further on Tuesday.

Readers praised Johnson's efforts on our Facebook page.

"Way to go!!!," wrote Cheryl Hayton. "I love when people do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing!!! I hope that people take notice of that!!! Seems to me that any able bodied person should help anyone caught in a burning car!!

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