Fridley Police Officer Awakens Resident in Burning House
Man, dog got out OK; Chief expresses surprise at how quickly crews knocked down fire.
A Fridley police officer woke a man sleeping in a burning house in Fridley Thursday, helping the resident and his dog to safety, according to Fridley Fire Chief John Berg.
Officer Christopher Knight was first on the scene, along with a fire inspector, shortly before 3 p.m., after a neighbor reported smoke coming from the house in the 6700 block of Seventh Street NE, across from Terrace Park.
Berg said the fire gutted a three-season porch at the rear of the house and burned attic areas. The first floor of the home also suffered damage, he said. He said the house wasn't in liveable condition but was reparable. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
No fire fighters were hurt. The cool air temperature made conditions better for fighting the fire, Berg said. Crews from St. Anthony, Columbia Heights and Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View aided the Fridley Fire Department.
Angela Burkhardt Bixby
5:23 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
So glad everyone was ok. Special thank you to officers and fire fighters for all they do to keep us safe!
Diane Sharbono
8:32 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Bless the neighbor who initially noticed the smoke, it could have been much worse if you hadn't called. Thank you to ALL the wonderful neighbors for your kindness, caring & support. THANK YOU MOSTLY TO OFFICER CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT for pounding on the doors enough to cause the dog to bark and also wake up my brother-in-law, you helped save their lives. (you and the neighbor that called) My heros! -AND- thank you to all fire fighters and emergency personnel that attended to the fire and their individual needs. Most importantly, thank you God for saving their lives. RIP Beautiful Birdie! From: Diane
Michelle Brunt
6:52 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
Did a bird die in the fire? Any thoughts on how it started?