Tragedy nearly unfolded outside the San Mateo County Hall of Justice yesterday when deputies doused a man who had set himself aflame. At approximately 1 p.m., San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputies stationed at the courthouse saw the man on fire. They immediately moved to put out the flames, as confirmed by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The swift intervention by the deputies likely saved the man’s life, preventing what could have easily become a fatal incident.
While the deputies managed to extinguish the fire quickly, the incident was not without harm. The man, believed to have been experiencing a mental health crisis, suffered significant burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. In the chaos of the response, a Sheriff’s deputy also sustained minor injuries to his hand – a small price to pay to save a life potentially. According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, additional emergency personnel were requested at the scene to assist with the aftermath of the distressing event.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released the man's identity or specific details regarding the incident. However, they took the opportunity to remind the community about the importance of mental health awareness and the availability of resources for those needing support.
