At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Monday January 15, North-West Fire Protection District was called to a possible fire at a house located at 501 Castello Ave in Fairplay. Thirteen firefighters responded with 2 engines and 2 mini-pumpers. The initial fire crew was able to quickly find and extinguish the fire located near the top of the steps in the attic area. Firefighters were able to overcome the bitter cold temperatures; it was minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit when crews began to arrive, which quickly led to frozen hoses and worries of hypothermia and frostbite.

The occupants of the home were all able to escape safely, thanks in part to the smoke detector they had installed just a few days prior. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters.

Just 2 weeks ago North-West Fire began a 24-7 staff schedule, and in this case it could have made all the difference. The initial crew was able to respond from the fire station within minutes of the call being dispatched instead of coming from their homes to the station and then responding to the fire. Those precious minutes could have been the difference between a small fire confined to the attic and a fully involved roof and the home being a total loss.

The house suffered smoke and fire damage in the attic and some water damage to the lower floor, but the residents were able to return home that day. Initial indications are the fire started in the attic space, likely caused from an electrical source.