Photo Courtesy of the Town of Carthage
The Carthage Fire Department responded to a fire in downtown Carthage just in the nick of time yesterday morning.
The fire was first discovered around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, when Critical Care Paramedic Josh Cross smelled smoke upon getting out of his vehicle on Main Street in Carthage.
According to a statement posted on Facebook by Smith County EMS Director Jeff Crockett, Cross and his partner AEMT Kym Phillips began trying to locate the source of the smell. The two spotted smoke and a small amount of fire coming from one of the buildings on the east side of the square.
The Carthage Fire Department was dispatched, and firemen quickly located and extinguished the fire.
Carthage Fire Chief Joe Hiett gave the following statement to Smith County Insider:
“We are thankful that the fire was detected before it spread throughout the attic area, potentially causing the loss of a building and possibly more. We’re grateful that the EMS crew investigated that smell of smoke, as time is always against any fire department. We believe we may have only been minutes away from the fire gaining fresh air as it burned through the exterior of the building, and air, in sufficient amounts, causes fire to grow exponentially. Quick work by both exterior and interior crews limited the damage to a wall and ceiling. We’re also grateful that Law Enforcement blocked off that section of Main Street, insuring that we could work quickly and safely. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. My thanks to all involved, especially our crews, for a quick response and the good work in limiting the damage. God blessed us on this one!”
The fire occurred at 206 Main Street North in Carthage. The building in owned by Bill Floyd – Floyd Realty and is located across from the Historic Courthouse.
The response was a team effort that included the Carthage Fire Department, Smith County EMS, the Carthage Police Department, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Department.
We are so thankful for the men and women who constantly work hard to keep Smith County safe!
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