After Battling Massive CA Blaze, Firefighter Surprises Daughter

CALIFORNIA -- A photo of a California firefighter embracing his toddler daughter warmed hearts across the Internet on Tuesday. Aimee Fewell shared a photo her husband, Casey, who came home early after battling the Mendocino Complex Fire, and their daughter, Ellie.

Aimee, who posted the photo to Facebook, wrote, "When daddy is gone, we are all a little on edge. Sometimes it’s days, sometimes it’s weeks. We miss him dearly but we know that the people of California need him sometimes to protect their homes and families and we share him with them every summer. This is the family of a wildland firefighter. This is our normal. But sometimes he surprises us and comes home unexpectedly."

Aimee told Patch Casey has worked for the Marin County Fire Department for nine years. He was sent to battle the Mendocino Complex Fire for nine days. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

"I shared the photo because I know how hard it is for him to be away from us, especially her," Aimee told Patch. "He really cherishes every moment with her so I thought this picture captured the bond they share perfectly."

But, Aimee said she finds comfort when the public thanks firefighters for the work they do.

"During fire seasons, they miss out on a lot back home and sacrifice moments and memories with us," Aimee said. "When I see people bringing them food, making them signs and thanking them, it takes a little bit of the sting out because what they do out there doesn’t go unnoticed. I know that brings comfort to me as a wife at least."

The Mendocino Complex Fire was two wildfires that ignited in Northern California in late July, burning more than 410,000 acres and killing one firefighter. As of Tuesday, the fire was 98 percent contained.

--Photo courtesy of Aimee Fewell