First responders recognized for heroism during condo fire, survivor thankful
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Eagle Mountain City recognized the quick actions and selflessness of first responders who battled a late-night fire at the Willow Springs Condominiums.
The blaze, which took place in the overnight hours of Aug. 26 and displaced 13 families, required coordinated efforts from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Mountain division, Unified Fire Authority and Saratoga Springs Fire Department.
One resident, Porter Webster, was rescued from the third floor just before flames spread into his unit. Another, Corbin White, ran door-to-door in the middle of the night to alert neighbors to the danger.
“This was a night where training, courage, and compassion came together,” said Eagle Mountain Public Safety Director Dave Ulibarri. “Our deputies, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers didn’t hesitate. They ran toward the fire, toward the danger, because that’s what they do.”
A resident’s harrowing escape
Among those saved was Webster, who said he owes his life to the responders who found him through heavy smoke after his 911 call.
“I’ve never been in a situation with this kind of attention. It’s strange and delightful at the same time,” Webster said following the recognition Tuesday night.
The night of the fire, Webster had closed his bedroom door — something he rarely does — to quiet the sound of crickets he had purchased for his pet lizard. That decision likely saved his life. When he awoke around midnight, he opened the door to a thick wall of smoke.
“I yelled outside, but I didn’t jump. I’m scared of heights, and I didn’t know if it was safe to leave my bedroom,” he said.
Instead, he called 911 and gave the dispatcher his location. Firefighters reached him moments before flames spread into his bedroom.
Webster was airlifted to a hospital for smoke inhalation, later transferring to a second facility for treatment. He jokes about being scared of heights during both the fire and the helicopter ride, but still carries a heavy cough as a reminder of the ordeal.
“I’m incredibly thankful for how quickly they responded and how good they are at what they do every day,” he said. “To those who don’t pay much attention to their local police and fire departments, absolutely do so. Donate, volunteer, or give them a smile and a wave. They’re good people.”
Recognizing heroism
The City Council presented plaques to those involved in the emergency response. Honorees included:
Utah County Sheriff’s Office – EM division
Sgt. Nich Friedrichsen
Deputy JT Allen
Deputy Keasha Estrada
Deputy Robert Bingham
Deputy Kyle Walkenshaw
Deputy Michael Chidester
Unified Fire Authority
Capt. Sam Christensen
Engineer Alex Rogerson
PM Ashley Fyle
PM Brandon Dougall
FF Tyler Breuer
FF Ryan Pifer of the Unified Fire Authority
Saratoga Springs Fire Dept.
Capt. Ryan Rackman
Engineer Brian Holliday
FF Josh Cluff
FF Alec Olsen
PM David McNamara
PM Abby Walz
The Council also recognized Eagle Mountain resident Corbin White, who, upon realizing the danger, ran from door to door to alert neighbors. His wife, Camille, accepted the award on his behalf.
“Corbin’s actions that night were nothing short of heroic,” said Ulibarri. “Those precious seconds he gave his neighbors made a critical difference. It’s an example of what it means to truly look out for one another.”
A community’s gratitude
City officials emphasized that the plaques serve as a token of appreciation.
“This recognition is one way we can say thank you, but the real thanks comes every day when we remember the lives that were saved and the families who still have a home in this community,” Ulibarri said.
For Webster, the event was a chance to thank the people who carried him out of danger, while for first responders, it was an opportunity to see the life their actions had directly saved.