A structure fire on Thompson Street that began late on Thursday evening was thankfully brought under control before it could cause irreversible damage, due to the quick response of volunteers from the Sundance Fire Department – including the occupant of the home.
"It was actually one of our firemen's house. It started on the outside in the dumpster and it burned up the outside of the house and then got into the rafter of the garage," says Fire Chief Gari Gill.
"It burned the siding on the house and then got up into the eaves and into the rafters of the garage, but it was brought under control rather quickly after it was spotted."
Having a firefighter already on the premises meant the response could begin before the fire department even arrived.
"He had the garden hose up in there when the guys got there," says Gill.
Once the team arrived, they were able to ensure everything was out and check for hotspots. The damage should be fixable, he says.
Numerous trucks and vehicles arrived on scene within minutes of the call. Gill, who has been focused on building up the department since he took over as chief, says he's proud of his volunteers.
"I'm very proud of our fire department. They jump right at it and we've got quick responses and younger guys," he says. "I'm pretty proud of the direction we're going."