Escambia Fire Rescue Smoke Detector Program Credited For Saving Life In House Fire

February 9, 2019

It’s a story that could play out anywhere in Escambia County.

Sometimes things have a way of coming together, even in the worst of circumstances.

When Escambia County Fire Rescue installed a smoke detector in a home on Herron Villon Lane a year ago, they had no way of knowing that it would help save a man’s life.

A fire broke out overnight in the residence, with flames ultimately consuming the home and making it a total loss. The elderly resident was asleep in his bed, but thankfully the smoke detector installed by ECFR last year woke him. Between being asleep at the time of the fire and having significant mobility issues, he said there’s no way he would have escaped without it.

ECFR crews arrived on scene to find the resident partially outside of the home. They were able to move him to a safe location, where he was then transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, Escambia County Emergency Communications Supervisor Shenae Maxwell was having trouble sleeping and decided to step outside. She saw the glow of the fire, called 911, drove to the location and provided the address and information to dispatchers. Since Maxwell is used to taking 911 calls, she was able to provide valuable information from the scene for her colleagues on the other end of the line.

Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control less than an hour after arriving on scene.

If you live in Escambia County and do not have a working smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376) for a free one. City of Pensacola residents can call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.

Comments

2 Responses to “Escambia Fire Rescue Smoke Detector Program Credited For Saving Life In House Fire”

  1. William on February 9th, 2019 11:23 am

    “I believe the story failed to report that the call from the off duty 911 supervisor was THE ONLY call received.”

    We didn’t know that….Escambia County did not provide that info

  2. Jason on February 9th, 2019 11:04 am

    I believe the story failed to report that the call from the off duty 911 supervisor was THE ONLY call received. If not for that only call, the victim may have died where he collapsed directly outside the door. Firefighters save lives everyday and their selfless bravery is to be commended. But so do those unsung heroes behind the phones who are the first line of defense.

    Good job ECFR…. and way to go, Nae!