On Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, at 9:00 AM at the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District Administration Building, 2451 Trailmate Drive, in the Parkland Industrial Park, Fire Department personnel will be recognizing Mr. Larry Smith for his quick actions in notifying his neighbor, Skakeriane Timmons, that her apartment was on fire and for his attempt to extinguish the fire.
On April 5, 2013, at 12:16 PM, the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District was dispatched to 3810 5th Street East, Apartment 123, Bradenton, Florida for a report of a structure fire. The Fire District sent three (3) Engines, one (1) Aerial Truck, one (1) Rescue Vehicle and (1) Battalion Command Vehicle. When the first Engine arrived on scene at 12:19 PM, they reported flames and smoke showing from a 2nd floor window.
Ms. Timmons was already out of her apartment, due to the quick action of Mr. Smith in making her aware that her apartment was on fire. Mr. Smith’s quick action in notification prevented serious injury to Ms. Timmons.
The Fire District immediately made entry and found the fire contained in the kitchen. The fire was quickly extinguished. Ms. Timmons stated she was preparing lunch on the stove and became distracted with a phone call in another room of her apartment.
While Ms. Timmons was on the phone, the grease on the stove ignited rapidly spreading throughout her kitchen. Ms. Timmons then heard Mr. Smith banging on her front door shouting that her apartment was on fire. Ms. Timmons immediately exited her apartment with the assistance of Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith’s quick actions allowed Ms. Timmons to exit her burning apartment averting serious injury. Without this early notification, Ms. Timmons exit would have been cut off from the rapidly-spreading fire.
Mr. Smith is a “HERO” and the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District, recognizing him for his actions, will present him with a Commendation Tuesday, April 23rd, at 9:00 AM.
Unattended cooking fires are the number one cause of residential fires. To learn more about how to prevent fires citizens can contact the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District Fire Prevention Division at 751-7675.