A UPS driver who rescued a 101-year-old woman from a burning home in Orange County said he’s thankful that he happened to be in the right place at the right time.
On Jan. 15, neighbors rushed over to Ann Edwards’ condo in Santa Ana after seeing heavy smoke emanating from the residence. Smoke had filled the kitchen, which set off the fire alarm.
Neighbors began pounding on the front door. One neighbor used a fire extinguisher to help smother the blaze, while another grabbed a garden hose, climbed up a ladder and sprayed water into the kitchen vent from the roof.
Ann, who lives alone, was confused and reluctant to leave, as two women struggled to convince her to come outside. So they called over a UPS driver, Willy Esquivel, who happened to be nearby doing a routine delivery for help.
“They said, ‘Her apartment’s on fire,’ and I looked up and I could see smoke coming from the vent,” Esquivel recalled. Nonetheless, he entered the smoke-filled home where he located Ann, picked her up and carried her safely outside.
From left: Ann Edwards, 101, is seen in a family photo. / Willy Esquivel, the UPS driver who saved the elderly woman, speaks to KTLA on Jan. 16, 2026. (Edwards Family, KTLA) 
Orange County Fire Authority crews worked to extinguish the blaze at Ann Edwards’ Santa Ana condo on Jan. 15, 2026. (Orange County Fire Authority) 
Willy Esquivel speaks to KTLA’s Jillian Smukler as he recalls the moment he entered a burning Santa Ana condo to save a 101-year-old woman on Jan. 16, 2026. (KTLA) 
Orange County Fire Authority crews worked to extinguish the blaze at Ann Edwards’ Santa Ana condo on Jan. 15, 2026. (Orange County Fire Authority) 
The woman’s son, Rick Edwards, speaks to KTLA on Jan. 16, 2026. (KTLA) 
Ann Edwards’ Santa Ana home was found engulfed in heavy smoke and flames on Jan. 16, 2026. (KTLA) 
Ann Edwards, 101, was saved by quick-thinking neighbors and a UPS driver when her Santa Ana condo became engulfed in flames on Jan. 15, 2026. (Edwards Family)
He brought her over to a neighbor’s home to rest and tried to make sure she was comfortable as they awaited fire crews.
“She seemed very disoriented,” Esquivel recalled. “She just kept trying to talk, but she couldn’t really get words out, so I told her it’s okay.”
Orange County Fire Authority crews arrived at the condo, which was engulfed in heavy smoke. “They could barely see her when they opened the door,” said Rick Edwards, Ann’s son.
Firefighters extinguished the remaining blaze that had spread into the attic and transported the 101-year-old woman to the hospital for evaluation.
When asked whether he was frightened, Esquivel said, “I just did what I thought was right. At the end of the day, she’s someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother, great-grandmother.”
Willy Esquivel speaks to KTLA’s Jillian Smukler as he recalls the moment he entered a burning Santa Ana condo to save a 101-year-old woman on Jan. 16, 2026. (KTLA) 
Willy Esquivel speaks to KTLA’s Jillian Smukler as he recalls the moment he entered a burning Santa Ana condo to save a 101-year-old woman on Jan. 16, 2026. (KTLA)
Rick said he’s thankful to the neighbors for acting quickly and to Esquivel, who he was beyond grateful to for saving his mother’s life.
“Thank you, because I bet you it took a little bit to get my mom out of there,” Rick said. “God bless you, man, for sticking with her and getting her out of there.”
Despite coworkers and community members calling him a hero, Esquivel said he doesn’t see it that way and isn’t looking for recognition.
“I’m just a UPS driver who was in the right place at the right time,” he told KTLA’s Jillian Smukler. “I’m just glad I was able to lend a hand when it was needed. I hope she has a quick recovery.”
Rick said his mother is still at the hospital and, though a little distressed about the ordeal, is expected to make a full recovery.