On July 1, firefighters were called to a home on Savory St. in Palo Alto for a report of a couch on fire.
By the time the first crew arrived at the scene, the fire was out. It was doused by a fire extinguisher provided to the homeowner as part of Palo Alto’s React to Respond program.
“The quick thinking of the residents and the availability of that extinguisher, we believe, saved not only the property but also several pets, prevented any injuries, and God forbid, any deaths,” Palo Alto Fire Dept. member Jeff Dunkel says.
To date, the program has given out more than 500 smoke alarms, 300 carbon monoxide detectors, and 220 fire extinguishers. More than 40% of homes in the borough have received fire detection and prevention equipment thanks to the React to Respond program.
Dunkel says the monetary value of the equipment to stock the program is at least $50,000 and came from business and community donations.
With supplies running low, Palo Alto’s Borough Council voted unanimously to donate $3,000 to replenish at least some of that life-saving equipment. The council also recognized the creator of the program, Asst. Fire Chief Jared Diehl.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone that’s helped with this,” Diehl said Monday. “Thank you very much. This is going to go a long way to keep the program running for years to come. There’s a team effort here. I couldn’t have done it without my volunteers.”
Top photo: (from left) Palo Alto Mayor John Deatrich, Asst. Fire Chief Jared Diehl, and Borough Council President Brian Dries (Coal Region Canary photo)
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...