One Good Turn Deserves Another: The Story Of “The Pandra” And The California Wildfires


One Good Turn Deserves Another: The Story Of “The Pandra” And The California Wildfires

The Camp Fire that is burning in California right now is the state’s most deadly fire on record. As of writing, the death toll is up to forty-two, over 20,000 acres have been blackened, over 15,000 buildings reduced to ash, and the entire town of Paradise is considered a loss at this point. It’s the kind of fiery hellscape scene that even Hollywood can’t do justice to. We’re talking large fires on both sides of the road and smoke everywhere kinds of bad news, with escape stores that simply cannot be overstated. You’ll hear plenty of the devastation and the horror on the news, but in situations like these, it is always wise to follow the advice of Fred Rogers, and to look for those who are trying to help.

The Toyota Tundra you are looking at, the one that bears more than a passing resemblance to the typical campfire marshmallow post-roasting than a pickup truck, was utilized in the efforts to evacuate the local hospital over the course of two trips. Allyn Pierce is the owner of “The Pandra” and as it sits right now, the truck is done. It’ll still move, but the wheelwells melted out, the taillights melted out, the paint is absolutely roasted, the headlights are melted…once the fires die and the cleanup work begins, it’s a promise that this Tundra will be an insurance total. To be put to use in the assistance of evacuating the hospital is one of those situations where you can say it’s worth it, but given the devastation that the Pierce family has endured, it’s still a big loss. But that’s where the beauty of social media stepped in.

In addition, BFGoodrich has offered to set Pierce up as well regarding the truck. While the family undoubtedly has more important things on their minds than a customized truck, it is very cool to see a token of gratitude given to one individual who didn’t ask for anything in return. All of the love came about because he put up a picture of the truck that held up when he needed it to the most.

Seriously, this Tundra needs to be at SEMA next year, roasted doors and all.


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8 thoughts on “One Good Turn Deserves Another: The Story Of “The Pandra” And The California Wildfires

  1. Brad F

    I would love to see this truck be in a commercial, and to be displayed at the Toyota Tundra development center. There are certainly some things that words cant express, and that picture cuts right to the heart better than any slew of words ever could. I don’t care what brand you are loyal to, this truck made a statement that no other truck could make.

  2. Lakewood

    A tribute to the reliability and durability of Tundras, and the selfless act of the owner helping those in need! I’ve owned two Tundras and in my experience there is no finer truck on the market. But totaled? I’d have all the melted/damaged pieces replaced and I’d drive the wheels off it! What unique patina! A truly unique truck.

  3. Pyro

    The marketing folks are wetting themselves over this one. Glad the people got out ok. Those above me getting off on “my toyota durability!”… go back to your cubicles and keep that circle jerk behind closed doors.

  4. bob

    People died and are dying in those fires. I don’t think Toyota is stupid enough to exploit the tragedy. But then again.

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