FRANKFORT, Ky. — While in Kentucky assisting with emergency response after devastating storms, members of FEMA’s Maryland Urban Search and Rescue Task Force One sprang into action when they encountered a house fire. They were out restocking supplies at the time, but didn’t hesitate to jump in and help.
“I and two other members of the task force were driving on a resupply run to restock some of the consumable supplies we use and while we were doing that, we were driving by a house that was on fire,” Task force member Joe Keefer told WTOP.
Keefer noted that it did not seem the local fire department had been dispatched yet. The team grabbed a garden hose to begin putting out the flames and ensured everyone inside the home had safely made it out, WTOP reported.
After speaking with the family, the team learned there were still pets inside the home. They confirmed all residents were safely out, then went in to rescue the pets.
“Ultimately, we’re here for the flooding and the mission is based on water rescues, but we’re not going to let an emergency pass by and not help people, Keefer said. “I’m very happy and fortunate that it was our team that came across this and was able to assist people in need.”
