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Quick response saves woman and her dogs from house fire

Sheriff's deputies, EMS personnel and Mills River firefighters pose with Laura Brown. The first responders quick action saved Brown and her two dogs and limited damage when a kitchen fire broke out.

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 24, 2020

MILLS RIVER — The Henderson County sheriff's office is crediting deputies, firefighters and EMS personnel for their quick and heroic work that saved a woman and her two dogs from a house fire in Mills River.

Coordination of first responders "was never more evident than a call for service in Mills River recently," the sheriff's office said. "First responders and law enforcement personnel responded to a cooking accident off South Mills River Road. Law enforcement and firefighters were the first on the scene and found the homeowner, Laura Brown, suffering from smoke inhalation, confined to a chair in her living room and unable to escape the fire. Officers and firefighters were able to carry her to safety prior to the arrival of paramedics or other firefighters. The fire was able to be contained to the kitchen area due to such a fast response."

Mills River Fire Chief Rick Livingston said the home was just moments away from being fully involved in flames and another few minutes could have been fatal for Brown. Officers and firefighters also were able to save Mrs. Brown’s two dogs, Onyx and Mr. Christmas. Brown was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. When emergency personnel visited Brown on Friday, "she was truly grateful for the fast response and the work of all who saved her home and life," the sheriff's office said.