Driver Slams Into California Firefighter Memorial

A driver slammed into the firefighter memorial at the Orange County Fire Authority headquarters Tuesday night, according to The Orange County Register.

The crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. after the driver drove a Dodge Stratus through the gates of the facility in Irvine and struck the eternal flame memorial.

Crews responded to the crash and extinguished a small fire in the vehicle's engine compartment and in the process also put out the external flame, which had had burned in a bowl since the dedication in 2004.

The driver, 22-year-old Jacob Mathany, was transported to a local hospital for lacerations and a possible broken foot and is expected to be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Officials said the crash caused significant damage to the memorial and are currently working on finding out the extent of the damage and how to fix it.

"I think right now the plan is to repair it," Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion told the newspaper.

The 11-foot-tall bronze statue was paid for by donations that also cover maintenance to upkeep the eternal flame.

On Wednesday night, 25 new firefighters will graduate during a ceremony at the department's headquarters but will not be able to take photos as they normally would in front of the memorial, which remains cordoned off.