Policeman’s actions probably saved one man’s life

A Jackson man survived an early morning fire after a police officer woke him up inside his home.

Jackson Hole Fire/EMS was called to a house fire at 460 E. Deloney Avenue at around 3:32 a.m. after someone passing by noticed flames on the east end of the building.

Jackson Police Sergeant Garrett Kellams pounded on the door to determine if anyone was home. Getting no response, he entered the home and woke the sole man inside. He helped him through the smoke and out of the burning structure.

A second occupant of the house lived in the basement. He was not home at the time of the fire.

There was heavy fire and smoke consuming the east walls of the fire when firefighters arrived. Two additional fire engines were sent to the fire.

Fire Marshal Kathy Clay said the house sustained heavy damage to about a fourth of the house with heavy smoke damage throughout the home.

She investigated the area where the fire may have started, but did not release a cause for the fire at this time.

Clay said the fire was a good example why every home should be equipped with a working smoke alarm and that an escape plan be developed ahead of time.

She also advised hat homeowners should make sure escape routes are clear of debris and that doors and windows all open easility. Plan an outside meeting place for everyone in the family. Make sure someone knows to help infants, older adults, or other family members with mobility limitations out of the house.

If a smoke alarm does sound, get outside and stay outside and move to your outside meeting place.