Toyota once again proved its unmatched resilience after Tacoma truck survived California wildfires
- California wildfires swept through 40K acres in greater LA, US
- However, despite the tragedy and devastation, there are glimmers
- This 2013 Toyota Tacoma truck is just one of them
Published on Jan 14, 2025 at 8:23 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jan 14, 2025 at 8:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
An unlikely beacon of hope and resilience amid the devastation of the tragic wind-spread California wildfires is this Toyota Tacoma truck.
The fires have killed at least 24 people and swept through 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area, US, with tens of thousands of residents forced to evacuate.
Resident Brandon Sanders’ home was sadly destroyed by the Eaton Fire.
However, his 2013 Toyota Tacoma, despite being heavily damaged, started up and remained functional – now that’s reliable.
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The Toyota Tacoma truck
While only charred rubble remains of Sander’s home, thankfully he, his wife, and his dog, Coco, were able to escape.
Upon their return to where their home had once stood, however, they were surprised to see that their Toyota Tacoma truck was in remarkably good shape.
This was despite no attempt to save or preserve it from the flames.
He bought this 4×2 Prerunner back in 2019 before racking up 79,000 miles but has driven a Tacoma for over 20 years due to being ‘happy with their versatility, reliability, and serviceability‘.
Despite melted rubber and plastic, yellowed paint, and dirty windows, the truck showed enormous durability and no significant mechanical issues.
In fact, Sanders was able to start it immediately – even the headlights and blinkers work.
His message to Toyota on his YouTube video was clear: “Thank you for making trucks that are impervious to the flames. Even the Eaton Fire can’t kill a Tacoma. Let’s go places indeed!”
The keys had been left in the house but Envision Toyota of West Covina provided a new key for free, while volunteers and businesses helped displaced families with goods and supplies.
Meanwhile, a Tesla driver had a similar experience and claims he’ll ‘never buy another brand again’ after his car ‘literally saved his life’.
The ongoing California wildfires crisis
While Sanders has expressed gratitude that he is ‘fortunate to have stable finances and solid employment’ others aren’t so lucky.
Sanders highlighted the urgent need for housing, warned against rent price gouging, and stressed the importance of organized recovery efforts to avoid hindering responders.
He urged people to support organizations including the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and the Pasadena Humane Society.
“When I first found the truck appeared to be ok I popped the hood to check for mechanical/electrical damage but the radiator, and everything behind it looked to be intact,” Sanders said, per Jalopnik.
“I was able to get back to the truck and try to start it and it turned over and started just like any other day. I was able to drive it out of the impacted area.
“We are now driving the truck as normal to help us get our lives back together,” Sanders told us.
He added that ‘it made my day,’ which is no small feat given the circumstances.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
