Deputy saves man from fire

Immediate action from a deputy sheriff saved a man and house from fire Thursday. The Green River Fire Department was called to a residence on Jan. 21 for a kitchen fire. The fire appeared to be an accidental start. The home owner was at home at the time of the fire. A burner on the stove was turned on, and left on accidentally.

Something on the counter next to the stove fell into the trash can and started the trash on fire.

Luckily, Cpl. Tony Niemiec of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office happened to be in the area at the time of the fire, heard the call for the fire and responded promptly. The deputy was at the house in a matter of minutes.

He helped the homeowner exit the house and put the fire out quickly. Officers and the fire department arrived shortly after and assisted.

The GRFD ensured the area was safe. Niemiec and the resident were checked on scene by Castle Rock Ambulance for possible smoke inhalation.

“The fire was out by the time we got there. All we had to do was clear smoke out of the residence,” Interim Fire Chief Mike Liberty said. “There was very little damage in the house as far as I know. The homeowner is fine as well.”