Off-Duty Firefighter Saves Homeowners, Stops Fire Spread in Atkinson, NH

After spotting a fire while driving home from work on Monday night, Lt. Matthew MacDonald of the Sudbury, MA, Fire Department is being credited with helping rescue two homeowners and halting the fire's spread.

According to Atkinson, NH, Fire Department, MacDonald promptly called 9-1-1, entered the house and assisted in evacuating two residents who were unaware of the fire. To stop the flames from spreading, he also used a fire extinguisher.

Around 8:30 p.m., the house fire on Wood Drive in Atkinson was reported. When firefighters arrived, they discovered that the fire had begun to spread from the partially extinguished façade into the building, as reported by Patch.com.

Shortly after arriving, Atkinson firefighters finished putting out the fire and ventilated the building. The incident was brought under control by 8:45 p.m., according to fire officials.

“His swift actions directly limited the spread of the fire and ensured both residents were able to evacuate safely,” said Atkinson Fire Chief Andrew Murphy.

MacDonald's action, according to officials, helped stop additional damage. 

“Due to his quick thinking and actions, no one was hurt. Even off-duty, a firefighter will always be a firefighter,” the Sudbury Firefighters IAFF Local 2023 said in a social media post.