Community Gratitude
Thank You, Santa Clarita Valley Firefighters and First Responders
A heartfelt thank you to every firefighter, dispatcher, deputy, medic, and support crew who answered the call during the devastating August 24 fire in Old Town Newhall.
August 27, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
Sam Silver
22-year SCV resident · REALTOR(R) · Community advocate · U.S. Army veteran
Old Town Newhall is the heart of Santa Clarita, and like so many of you, I watched what happened on August 24 with a heavy heart. But I also watched something else. I watched our firefighters run in while everyone else ran out. This post is my way of saying thank you -- and I hope you will join me.
A Simple Thank You
In the Middle of Heartbreak, Something Remarkable Happened
In the early hours of Monday, August 24, 2026, Old Town Newhall lost beloved businesses to a devastating three-alarm fire. The Newhall Refinery, The Main Theatre, Care Tucker Style House, and several other Main Street establishments were destroyed or damaged in a blaze that shook our entire community.
But in the middle of heartbreak, our community saw something remarkable: the men and women of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, joined by partner agencies, fighting for our town. This post is a simple, heartfelt thank you.
To every firefighter, dispatcher, deputy, medic, and support crew who answered the call before sunrise on that Monday morning: we see you. We appreciate you. And we will never forget what you did for Old Town Newhall.
What the Crews Did That Morning
This was not a routine call. When the first engine companies arrived on Main Street shortly before 3 a.m., they found flames and heavy smoke pouring from a commercial structure. Within minutes, what started as a building fire escalated into a full three-alarm response.
112 Los Angeles County firefighters responded with 58 pieces of apparatus. They went into defensive mode as the unstable structure threatened to collapse onto Main Street, using aerial ladder trucks to protect nearby buildings and prevent the fire from spreading further into the historic district.
By 8 a.m. the flames were largely doused, and crews stayed to pour water on the complex and knock down smoldering structures well into the afternoon. The area remained closed to traffic as investigators and structural engineers assessed the damage.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported among firefighters, first responders, or civilians. That is a testament to the training, discipline, and professionalism of every crew on scene.
Thank You to Every Responder
A fire response of this scale does not happen in a silo. It takes an army of trained professionals working together, often in near-darkness, under extreme pressure, with lives and property on the line. We want to thank every single person who played a part:
- The 911 dispatchers who took the calls before sunrise, calm and clear under immense pressure
- The first engine companies who arrived to find flames and smoke, and immediately went to work
- The battalion chiefs coordinating strategy and making the difficult call to shift to defensive mode
- The firefighters who went defensive to protect neighbors and nearby homes from the spreading blaze
- The aerial ladder truck operators who delivered water from above and protected surrounding structures
- The water tender operators who kept the water supply flowing hour after hour
- The LA County Sheriff's deputies who closed streets, redirected traffic, and kept the perimeter safe
- The arson investigators working to determine the cause and origin of the fire
- The utility, structural, and public works crews supporting the scene throughout the day
And a special thank you to the second responders: the tow operators who cleared damaged vehicles, the city crews who secured the scene, the building safety staff who assessed structural Stability, and everyone who worked behind the scenes so that the first responders could focus on the fire.
A Community That Shows Up for Each Other
While the firefighters fought the flames, the community rallied within hours. Seven businesses were impacted, and neighbors immediately began organizing support:
- GoFundMe campaigns launched for the Newhall Refinery, its staff, and rebuilding efforts
- A dedicated fund for the Care Tucker family, who lost their family-run business
- Support fund for the Old Town Newhall Association to help coordinate recovery
The nearby Canyon Theatre Guild survived, offering a glimmer of hope for Old Town Newhall's arts community. City officials pledged to help rebuild. As one community leader put it: "We are Santa Clarita. We support one another."
"We are Santa Clarita. We support one another."
What This Means for Santa Clarita
Firefighters do not show up because it is easy. They show up because it is needed. At 3 a.m. on a Monday morning, when most of us were asleep, they were pulling on their boots, climbing onto rigs, and heading toward a burning building.
This is our way of saying we see you, we appreciate you, and we have got your back too.
If you are a first responder, know that this community supports you not just in moments of crisis, but every day. Sam Silver's First Responder page lists military and first responder discounts across automotive, insurance, home, travel, and dining offers -- a small ongoing way SCV says thank you to those who serve.
Firefighters looking for homebuyer benefits can also check the Hero Homebuyer Programs post for information on programs that may help you achieve homeownership.
"To every firefighter, dispatcher, deputy, medic, and support crew who answered the call: thank you. You ran in when everyone else ran out. Santa Clarita is grateful, and we will never forget what you did for Old Town Newhall."
How to Keep Supporting
The road to recovery for Old Town Newhall will be long. Here are a few simple ways you can continue to make a difference:
- Donate to the recovery GoFundMe campaigns listed above. Every dollar helps the families and employees who lost so much.
- Thank a local firefighter today. A simple "thank you for your service" at the grocery store, coffee shop, or gas station means more than you know.
- Support local businesses in Old Town Newhall. When the rebuild begins, show up and spend your dollars at the businesses that are still standing and the new ones that will rise.
- Share this message. Let our first responders know that Santa Clarita stands with them.
To every first responder who answered the call on August 24, 2026: thank you. We will never forget.
With deep gratitude from the entire Santa Clarita Valley community.
Sam Silver, CalDRE #01412755, is a REALTOR(R) with Equity Union Real Estate, 25124 Springfield Court Suite 100, Valencia, CA 91355. This article was written as a community resource and is not intended as a solicitation if you are currently working with another real estate broker. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Discount availability, amounts, and eligibility requirements may change without notice.