Quick action by neighbours prevents spread of fire

Quick thinking of neighbors perhaps saved a house on Rogers Road the morning of Tuesday, August 16.

Julie Anderson was working away in her own yard when she suddenly smelled smoke across the alley.

“It looked like a barbecue was on and then I noticed it smelled like plastic burning,” she said. “I came across and saw the garbage on fire.”

Anderson and her neighbor quickly dialed 9-1-1 and tried to alert the people inside the house. After no answer came to the door they decided to grab the hose and remove the propane tank, which was on the deck near the fire.

It is not currently known what caused the fire, however Fire Chief Cliff Brausen did warn that with such dry conditions these types of incidents can turn dangerous very quickly. Brausen also praised the swift actions of Anderson and the other neighbours.

“Absolutely, they phoned 9-1-1 - which is the first thing you should do when you see smoke or fire,” he said. “It was perfect action by the neighbours.”

He added that is was good to move the propane tank away, however suggests that residents should always ensure that actions like these are done with the utmost precaution.

“Your safety is your priority,” he said.

Brausen added that it’s great that neighbours watch out for each other and made the initial call to the Fire Department.

It is unknown at this time what caused the fire to start.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com