Cal Fire/San Luis Obispo County Fire Department paid tribute Thursday to four firefighters that were killed in the line of duty on Aug. 15, 1979.
A special ceremony was held at a memorial site located near the site of the fire along Highway 166, a few miles west of New Cuyama. The men who lost their lives were Captain Ed Marty, and firefighters Ron Lorant, Steve Manley and Scott Cox.
Each of them worked out of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) Nipomo Station.
"We are here to pay tribute, honor and remember the four courageous firefighters assigned to CDF Engine 5373, who tragically lost their live on the Spanish Ranch Fire on this day 40 years ago," said Cal Fire/SLO County Fire Dept. Chief Scott Jalbert.