Off-Duty OC Firefighter Rescues Teenage Daughters from Fiery Crash

Two California girls suffer severe burns in Utah off-road accident, saved by quick-acting first responder

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:24pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the chaotic scene of an off-road vehicle on fire, with the silhouettes of emergency personnel rushing to provide aid, conveying the urgency and emotion of the incident.The fiery aftermath of an off-road accident in Utah underscores the heroism of first responders and the resilience of the teenage victims.Yucaipa Today

An off-duty Orange County firefighter jumped into action to rescue his own daughter and another teen from a fiery off-road vehicle crash while on a family trip in Utah. The two 15-year-old girls suffered serious burns and are now recovering in a Las Vegas hospital.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the heroic actions of first responders, even when off-duty, and the dangers inherent in off-road driving. It also underscores the resilience of the teenage victims and the support needed from their communities during long recoveries.

The details

The families were traveling in a caravan back to their campsite in Utah when conditions became dusty and visibility was limited. One of the vehicles rolled and erupted in flames, with Brooklyn Mallett and Elena Pastorino, both 15 years old, trapped inside. Captain Mike Mallett, an off-duty Orange County firefighter whose daughter Brooklyn was one of the victims, rushed to pull the girls from the burning vehicle, saving their lives.

  • On April 2, the families were traveling back to their campsite in Utah.
  • The fiery off-road vehicle crash occurred that same day.

The players

Mike Mallett

An Orange County Fire Authority captain who was on vacation with his family in Utah when the accident occurred, and who rescued his own daughter and another teen from the burning vehicle.

Brooklyn Mallett

A 15-year-old girl and the daughter of Captain Mike Mallett, who suffered severe burns covering 40% of her body in the crash.

Elena Pastorino

A 15-year-old girl who was also trapped in the burning vehicle and suffered second and third degree burns on her face and body.

Briana Pastorino

Elena Pastorino's mother, who saw the flames and immediately took her son to safety as firefighters rushed to rescue the trapped teens.

Chris Hamm

The president of the Orange County Professional Firefighters, who commented on the incident and the heroic actions of off-duty firefighters.

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What they’re saying

“We prayed like we've never prayed before.”

— Briana Pastorino, Elena Pastorino's mother

“I know their lies were spared because of everything that was done to save them.”

— Briana Pastorino, Elena Pastorino's mother

“Fire Captain Mike Mallett was on vacation with his family in Utah and unfortunately one of the vehicles that was out there off-roading rolled over and experienced a horrific fire and multiple people were injured. His daughter suffering the most extreme injuries.”

— Chris Hamm, President of the Orange County Professional Firefighters

“We train every day for emergencies, but we never expect them to happen to us, especially on our day off.”

— Chris Hamm, President of the Orange County Professional Firefighters

What’s next

Both Brooklyn Mallett and Elena Pastorino remain hospitalized in Las Vegas, with Brooklyn expected to stay for at least two months as she undergoes extensive recovery and rehabilitation. The families have set up GoFundMe pages to help cover the girls' medical expenses.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the bravery and quick-thinking of first responders, even when off-duty, and the importance of safety precautions during outdoor recreational activities. The resilience and community support for the teenage victims will be crucial as they face long roads to recovery.