Quick thinking neighbor and swift response saves home from fire

A home was potentially saved thanks to a quick thinking neighbor and a swift response from first responders.

Just before 7 a.m. Thursday, the 911 call center received a call of a structure fire on Fairways Drive.

A call came in just before 7 a.m. of a structure fire. (Photo by Marcus James)

Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer says that a neighbor saw smoke coming from the residence and quickly dialed 911. Elfer states that the neighbors quick reaction time most likely saved the structure from becoming more damaged or possibly destroyed.

“First responders were able to get here fairly quickly with a Culkin truck.  We had firefighters counting firefighters on scene when I arrived and they were putting a fire out. It appeared to be in the attic to the rear of the residence,” said Elfer.

The fire was located in the attic near the rear of the home. (Photo by Marcus James)

Elfer stated that the initial 911 call is important. “We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make that 911 call. Don’t call your neighbor, don’t call your relative, don’t call somebody that you know that’s a first responder. Go ahead and call 911. Let our 911 center get the appropriate units in route.”

No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.

Warren County Firefighter Chief Chuck Tate states that the fire may have been electrical in origin. However, the cause is not determined at this time. Several fires have been reported recently where homeowners could smell smoldering, sometimes for several days.

“People had some indication that something was not right,” said Tate.” So, if you’ve got that going on at your house, go ahead and call 911 and let someone come check it out.”

View the initial report below: