Dandridge House Fire

Photo submitted by Dandridge Fire Chief Andrew Riley

The Dandridge Fire Department was called to a home fire last week and thanks to the quick response of Constable Large arrived in time to save the home. A call came in from neighbors that a home on Spring Creek Road had a fire in the chimney and Constable Large alerted the homeowners, who were cooking in the kitchen on the first floor, to the situation. The Dandridge Fire Department was on the scene within 10 minutes and discovered that the fire was in danger of spreading to the second floor of the home. The Fire Department had a quick knock down time and was able to control the damage. Dandridge Fire Chief Riley said that Talbott-Kansas Fire Department and White Pine Fire Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Jefferson County EMS and EMA were all on the scene as automatic aid responders. Chief Riley stated that the automatic aid program, which provides immediate assistance from multiple First Responders, has worked well in the County. While Dandridge Fire Department was still on the scene of the Spring Creek fire, another call came in from the Dandridge response area and was handled by Talbott-Kansas Fire Department with some assistance from Dandridge. The second call was attributed to a call from the home owner’s fire security system that was enacted due to excessive smoke. When Fire Fighters arrived on the scene they discovered that the home was empty and food had been left cooking on the stove. Quick response time prevented serious damage to the home. The homeowner was contacted and returned home to find the situation under control. Chief Riley said that the cooperation among First Responders allows the volunteer departments to have more man power and equipment on the scene.