By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

DOGTOWN, Ala.—Patti Mitchell of Dogtown was assuming, “the worst, but hoping for the best” when she was awoken suddenly around 1:30 a.m. early Wednesday morning by smoke filling her house. Mitchell immediately dialed 911, and the Dogtown Fire Department responded quickly, “within three to five minutes,” according to Mitchell. Her house is located in a rural area off of County Road 272, and the quick response time made all the difference.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, Mitchell’s wood heater and fireplace were pouring smoke. Acting quickly, they extinguished the flames, saving the structure with minimal damage considering the damage normally caused by house fires. According to Dogtown Fire Department Assistant Chief Eric Middlebrooks, about, “seven out of ten structures can be saved,” in the event of a fire, but those odds decrease drastically when the structure is a mobile home.

Despite the damage, the homeowner was very thankful not to lose her home, and was very grateful for her local fire department. Not only did they save her home, but also, “took time to help with the cleaning process,” and was very, “comforting,” according to Mitchell. While disaster was averted in this situation, many are not so fortunate. If using a wooden heater this winter, take the necessary safety precautions to prevent fire.