Monterey firefighter released from hospital after tree fell on him and fractured two vertebrae

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV)—UPDATE ON MARCH 13, 2023 AT 2:47 p.m.- A Monterey Firefighter has been released from the hospital after a tree Pinned him down Thursday while evacuating residents in Pacific Grove.

Monterey Firefighter’s Association-IAFF Local 3707 member Anthony Silva is expected to be okay and was released from the hospital Sunday. He is facing an uncertain road to recovery after suffering two fractured vertebrae, said Monterey Fire.

"The firefighters on scene, aware of the imminent danger the tree posed, acted without hesitation to affect rescue of the resident," said Monterey Fire in a statement. "After Engineer Silva was struck, on-scene crews simultaneously responded to extricate Engineer Silva using chainsaws. Anthony was transported to Natividad Medical Center."

Fire Engineer Silva began his community service as a Pacific Grove Volunteer in 1986 and became a career firefighter in 2000. He has since been committed to the residents and visitors of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, La Mesa, and the Monterey Regional Airport

Monterey Fire Department

Monterey Fire Department said Silva is in high spirits despite the setback.

Monterey firefighter expected to be okay after tree falls on top on him

A Monterey firefighter is expected to be okay after a tree pinned him down Thursday night.

Monterey Fire Department Chief Panholzer told KION that the firefighter was trying to rescue a woman after a tree split in half and fell on her home.

As the firefighter was helping the woman, the other half of that same tree fell and trapped the firefighter.

Crews there immediately started cutting away at branches to free him.

The firefighter is being treated at Natividad Medical Center.