Woman anonymously treats California firefighters to free meals

The firefighters said they had been thanked before but 'never to this level of generosity'

Intense flames driven by extreme drought conditions, wind and hot weather sweep over a remote section of the San Bernardino National Forest during the Blue Cut Fire on 18 August 2016 near Wrightwood, California ( David McNew/Getty Images)

A woman has anonymously treated several firefighters from Colton, California to a free meal.

The firefighters had been working all day on the La Cadena wildfire in La Loma Hills, near San Bernardino, California when they headed to a local Denny's restaurant for dinner.

The crew had fought 15 to 20 wildfires that week alone.

The mystery benefactor approached the cashier and paid $355 (£274) for all their food, plus $50 (£39) tip.

She also paid for a $100 (£77) gift card to be used to buy dessert for the next round of arriving firefighters.

The brigade's Public Information Officer Captain Tom DeBellis told CNN that "the waitstaff told the firefighters, but by that time she was already gone."

Chief Tim McHargue wished he could thank the woman, who restaurant staff said did want to be recognised for her gift.

Mr DeBellis said that normally people will bake cookies, bring sandwiches, and cold drinks "as thanks for the guys' hard work. The guys really appreciate it."

He added though, that the firefighters had "never [been thanked with] this level of generosity."