Gem State Wire

On March 6, a team from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) took swift action to save an elderly woman from a car fire on Interstate 84. The incident occurred near the Declo Port of Entry, east of Twin Falls, as Travis Hire, Dan Conner, and Ruth Munoz were returning from Idaho Falls.

As they traveled westbound, they noticed smoke emanating from a vehicle parked on the side of the freeway. Travis Hire approached the car and saw heavy smoke billowing from the engine compartment. Inside was an elderly woman who appeared disoriented. "In another minute or two, it likely would have been a fatality," according to the team.

Dan Conner used a fire extinguisher to control the flames while Ruth Munoz called emergency services. Acting quickly, Hire opened the passenger door to allow smoke to escape and found that flames had already reached the footwell. He unbuckled the woman's seatbelt and carefully pulled her out through the passenger side to avoid traffic. Once outside, he checked her for injuries as she recovered.

Dan praised Hire's bravery: “To go into a burning car to save someone’s life is ‘next level’ stuff,” he said. “I know Travis is uncomfortable with the attention, but I feel he should be recognized."

Simone Webb, Nicole Herrin, and Robbie Swajkoski from Financial Services arrived in another ITD vehicle and stayed with the woman until law enforcement arrived. "This was a great team effort," Travis said. "At the end of the day, she was safe, and that’s what matters most."

The team had attended an annual State facilities management meeting in Idaho Falls before encountering this emergency situation.