FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Two people are safe and some pets were rescued in a house fire at 2206 10th Street North in Fargo.
The fast actions of passing drivers who woke the two occupants and a contractor who dug out a fire hydrant buried in snow were factors in containing the fire, reported at 1:45 a.m. Thursday.
Fire Department Battalion Chief Dane Carley said the attached garage of the home was fully involved with some fire extension into the attic. The garage was totaled, some drywall was pulled down to make sure the fire did not spread into the walls and there is considerable smoke damage throughout the house.
Homeowner Mike Elliot told KFGO News he and his step-son were awakened by someone who stopped and pounded on the door and windows when he saw heavy smoke pouring from the garage and roof. Both safely escaped.
At the same time, Kenny Asplin, a contractor working several blocks away removing snow, smelled the smoke, jumped into his truck, drove to the neighborhood and spotted the fire. He was among those who called 911. Asplin then grabbed a shovel to dig out the nearest fire hydrant, buried under 5 feet of snow.
Carley said Asplin’s action was “critical” to saving the house from further damage. The pumper truck was nearly out of water and if firefighters had to dig out the hydrant it would have taken time when minutes count and their truck would have run dry. He said quick access “made a difference in the whole operation.”
At least four of 11 cats were rescued from the heavy smoke. The pet dog escaped with his owner. The cause of the fire is under investigation.