Wolfcoal Fire Department Saves Whick Home

 A quick response by four firefighters from the Wolfcoal Fire Department saved a home on Sulphur Gap Road about 11:15 Tuesday morning.

According to reports, E911 in Hazard received an emergency call reporting a home on fire and a man in need of an ambulance in the Sulphur Gap community.  Crews responded quickly to the scene and found the fire in an addition built onto the house.

The flames had started in the ceiling near a stove and spread through the ceiling into the attic.

Firefighters “knocked down” the flames and had them under control less than ten minutes after arriving. 

“We worked hard and were very fortunate that the home was not destroyed,” Wolfcoal Chief Chase Deaton said.  “This is just further proof that training always pays off.”

The homeowner, Sam Strong, age 97, was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not transported for further treatment.

A second call about the home was reported at 5:46 p.m. on Tuesday.  Neighbors and relatives noticed smoke coming from the roof in the back of the structure and called 911.  Six firefighters from Wolfcoal responded to the call and quickly put out the smoldering roofing. 

“Neighbors can be credited with helping save the structure, Chief Deaton told The Jackson Times-Voice.  “They applied water and used a fire extinguisher to slow the flames before our crews arrived.”

Firefighters remained on the scene for over an hour and a half, ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.  They were able to contain the flames to the kitchen and sunroom addition to the home, but there was other smoke damage.

Fire officials did not determine the exact cause of the fire, but believe that it started from a faulty stove pipe.