Morning blaze

It has been a busy day in the news room.

This morning while interviewing a very interesting gentleman in the Spotlight Cafe in Garrison, (who happens to be a retired firefighter) we noticed the big engine from the Garrison Fire Department take off South on Hwy. 169.

"Sorry, Bob," I said. "Can we finish this interview later? I think I should go see what those boys are up to."

"No problem," he said. "Go."

I followed the engine truck to a house fire. A two-story old farm house, that apparently was over 75 years old, the homeowner thought. She was not home at the time the blaze began. But her 14-year-old son was.

He was using his computer while waiting for the school bus about 7:30 or so he thought. The bus was late. And that might have been a good thing.

Brandon, called his mom to let her know the bus was late and while he was talking to her, the smoke detector began screaming. Brandon was able to help his cousin out of the house, with the help of a neighbor. And the neighbor was able to help retrieve the families two dogs, who were in crates inside the house.

The 32-year-old man suffered minor injuries. Brandon and the dogs are OK.

Brandon might be considered a hero. He is in my book.

Along with the brave men and women of the Garrison Fire and Rescue Department of Crow Wing County and Onamia Fire Department in Mille Lacs County.

The family wishes to express their greatest appreciation to the fire fighters for trying so desperately to save their home.

More on the story later.

Peace.