Soldier's response saves Carthage home

CARTHAGE — A Fort Drum soldier's quick action Wednesday afternoon is credited by the Carthage Fire Department with quelling a fire that could have caused extensive damage to a house on John Street.

Fire Chief Norman Barkley Jr. said Jonathan E. Hicks, 210 S. James St., was driving past the home of Robert and Michelle Hoffman, 515 John St., when he saw flames on a deck. Mr. Hicks circled back and saw the flames spreading up the outside wall, Mr. Barkley said.

The soldier, a former firefighter in Pennsylvania, grabbed a garden rake and pulled off siding, effectively bringing the blaze under control, the chief said.

The residents, with two children, ages 13 and 18 months, were in the house at the time, and initially were unaware of the fire, attributed to a carelessly discarded cigarette, Mr. Barkley said.

Carthage and West Carthage fire units responded to the 2:35 p.m. alarm, and found the Hoffman family outdoors and uninjured. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman own the split-level dwelling, which is insured, Mr. Barkley said.