Flames appeared out the front of Guerneville’s downtown medical clinic as the first fire engine arrived.
Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman, in his pickup, pulled up just behind the Guerneville engine and as the highest-ranking fireman, took control. He sent firefighters inside and up ladders to the roof while others tried to salvage medical supplies.
Fire officials suspect someone set the Dec. 26, middle-of-the-night blaze. Six fire agencies eventually responded and kept it from spreading but couldn’t save the center.
The loss was personal for Baxman.
“I go there myself,” Baxman said. “Like most calls on the river we know people involved. It’s always more personal because it’s a part of our neighborhood and our community.”
The Russian River corridor has been Baxman’s home for almost half a century. The volunteer fire chief is considered a public service institution, de facto ambassador of the west county and the unofficial mayor of Monte Rio.