Staff reports

CORDRY-SWEETWATER — Volunteer firefighters with Cordry-Sweetwater Volunteer Fire Department were on scene of a garage fire Nov. 6 within five minutes, which helped save the two-story garage and a nearby home.

The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. in the 6900 block of Grey Wolf Drive.

Chief Mike Leavitt said that after firefighters arrived, they had water on the fire a minute later.

The fire originated from a wood stove that was inside the detached garage.

Firefighters were assisted by Hamblen Township and the Nineveh Township volunteer fire departments.

“Had the structure completely gone, it would have been an issue, but since we got there quick enough, the house was never threatened, really,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt said nine firefighters from his department responded, “which I was really happy with for the time of day it was,” he said.

“Fortunately, we have several people who work in or around the lakes on the department, so that helps.”

The fire was under control in about 20 minutes. The garage was still standing and the structure was saved, but it did sustain internal damage and damage to the roof where the stove’s flue was.

“They were able to protect a good amount of the contents as well,” Leavitt said.

Firefighters were on scene for about an hour including checking for any hot spots. By 5 p.m., firefighters were back at their department and in service, Leavitt said.

“The key thing is we had a good response, and then having such good support from our mutual aid between Hamblen and Nineveh, they all worked together really well. That’s what makes it work for us,” he said.