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Deputy Martinez Saves All Three Occupants in MTS-5 Ambulance Fire

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. all-three-occupants-in-mts-5-ambulance-fire.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 16:43 GMT by AZFamily

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Summary of “Navajo County Deputy Rescues 3 After Medical Transport Vehicle Catches Fire” (AZFamily, 21 Nov 2025)

On the evening of November 20 2025, a dramatic emergency unfolded in Navajo County, Arizona, when a medical transport vehicle (MTS‑5, the county’s dedicated mobile critical‑care unit) caught fire while en route to a regional medical center. According to the AZFamily news article, the blaze erupted just as the ambulance—laden with a seriously ill patient and two trained paramedics—traversed the county’s northern high‑desert roadway near the town of Tuba City. The incident was quickly recognized by local emergency crews, and Navajo County Deputy John “Jack” Martinez sprang into action, performing a daring rescue that saved the lives of all three occupants and prevented a potentially catastrophic collapse of the vehicle.

1. The Incident in Context

The AZFamily piece opens with a brief recap of the vehicle’s purpose and staffing. The MTS‑5, described as a state‑of‑the‑art, fully equipped emergency medical transport, routinely ferries patients from remote rural communities to the county’s primary hospital in Flagstaff. The particular trip in question involved an adult patient suffering from a severe, sudden-onset cardiac event—an event the article notes is “one of the most critical transport missions for the department.” The vehicle was staffed by Paramedic Samantha Lee and EMT‑I Thomas Perez, who had been on the job for more than two decades.

Deputy Martinez, a seasoned member of the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, was en route to another routine patrol when his squad car’s dispatch radio signaled the emergency. “We had the call at 7:34 p.m., and within minutes, we were on the scene,” Martinez told reporters at the subsequent press conference. The deputy’s squad car arrived within seconds of the blaze, and he immediately assessed the situation: a rapidly spreading flame engulfing the rear of the ambulance, with a black plume of smoke curling up the highway.

2. Quick‑Thinking Rescue Operations

The article then delves into the specifics of the rescue. In the video footage released by the Sheriff's Office (linked within the AZFamily article), Martinez is seen donning a fire‑resistant suit, carrying a portable fire extinguisher, and approaching the burning vehicle with a calm, measured demeanor. He reported that the fire began in the rear compartment where the patient’s oxygen tank was located—a location that had previously been identified in a risk assessment report. The deputy’s quick action involved:

1. Extinguishing the Initial Flames: Martinez applied the extinguisher’s CO₂ stream to the rear hatch, stalling the spread of fire long enough for the occupants to evacuate.
2. Evacuating the Patient and Crew: Using the vehicle’s emergency side‑door, Martinez pulled Samantha Lee and Thomas Perez, who were still strapped into their seats, before retrieving the patient from the stretcher. He described the patient as “unresponsive but breathing,” a condition that he stabilized with basic airway support until the county’s emergency medical services (EMS) team could take over.
3. Coordinating with Firefighters: As the county fire department’s crew arrived, Martinez directed them to the vehicle’s location, ensuring that their hoses and equipment were positioned optimally to mop up residual flames and extinguish hotspots in the engine compartment.

The deputy’s actions were praised by both the local sheriff and the chief of the Navajo County Fire Department. “Deputy Martinez’s presence of mind saved lives and likely prevented a secondary explosion,” the chief stated in an interview.

3. After‑Action and Immediate Aftermath

Following the successful rescue, the patient was transferred to a medical helicopter (the “Eagle Flight” service) for transport to the flagship hospital in Flagstaff. Meanwhile, Paramedic Lee and EMT‑I Perez were airlifted back to the hospital for a full medical evaluation. The article notes that both the paramedics and the patient were later declared stable, with the patient admitted for cardiac care and the paramedics cleared for return to duty after a brief evaluation.

Deputy Martinez’s involvement was further highlighted by a quote from County Sheriff Brian Harrell, who declared that the deputy had exemplified the “spirit of service” that the sheriff’s office stands for. “He went above and beyond to keep our community safe,” Harrell said, and added that the deputy would receive a formal commendation.

The article also referenced an ongoing investigation by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) into the fire’s origin. Preliminary findings suggested a possible fault in the vehicle’s oxygen supply system—a component that had not been recently inspected, according to a statement from the MTS‑5’s maintenance crew.

4. Broader Safety and Policy Implications

Within the AZFamily piece, a short segment discussed the potential implications of the incident for Navajo County’s emergency transport policies. The county’s health director, Dr. Elena Morris, cited the incident as a catalyst for a planned audit of all mobile critical‑care units. “We’re reviewing the integrity of oxygen tanks, fire suppression systems, and driver‑crew training protocols,” Dr. Morris told reporters. The county’s plan also includes the procurement of newer, fire‑resistant ambulance models and the installation of automatic fire‑suppressing valves in critical components.

The article links to a full policy brief published by the Navajo County Department of Health Services, which elaborates on recommended upgrades to critical‑care vehicles and outlines a timeline for fleet modernization. It also links to an editorial by the Arizona Public Health Association urging state legislators to consider funding for rural ambulance safety.

5. Community Reactions

Public reaction was swift. The AZFamily article features several short comment sections where residents praised Deputy Martinez. One commenter wrote, “What a hero—he saved lives on the highway.” Another posted a photo of a ribbon laid over the MTS‑5’s door, bearing the words, “Thank you, Deputy Martinez.” A local pastor’s statement highlighted the moral and spiritual dimensions of the rescue, noting the deputy’s “faith and courage” as an exemplar for community values.

6. Conclusion

The AZFamily article ultimately portrays the event as a testament to the bravery and professionalism of Navajo County’s first responders. While the immediate danger was averted through Deputy Martinez’s swift actions, the incident has spurred a broader conversation about ambulance safety, emergency medical protocols, and resource allocation for rural healthcare services in Arizona. The article encourages readers to stay informed by following links to the Sheriff's Office release, the health department’s policy brief, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s investigation updates.

In sum, the November 2025 incident not only highlighted the critical role of deputies in emergency situations but also served as a wake‑up call for systemic improvements—ensuring that similar tragedies are prevented in the future, and that every patient, paramedic, and community member can travel safely to and from the care that saves lives.