A pair of farmworkers alerted the driver of a school bus in Madera County on Sept. 4, 2025, that smoke was coming from the back. The workers were able to help evacuate the students before the flames consumed the bus. Madera County Sheriff's Office image

A pair of Madera County farmworkers, Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco, will be recognized Tuesday by the Madera County Board of Supervisors for their actions that saved a group of students from a burning school bus last month in La Vina, a census-designated place southwest of Madera. 

The two farmworkers were repairing their tractor near Avenue 8 and Road 23.5 when they saw thick smoke rising from behind a school bus. They quickly alerted the driver and helped evacuate all of the students before flames engulfed the back of the bus. No injuries were reported. 

Officials said the fire stemmed from a mechanical malfunction.

The Board of Supervisors will present the men with a proclamation honoring their bravery.

A news release announcing the recognition stated that the actions of the two men “demonstrates the highest ideals of public service, compassion, and community spirit.”