The Lacombe Fire Department (LFD) responded to a residential fire on Elana Crescent at 3:26 p.m. yesterday.

A quick-thinking neighbour equipped with a fire extinguisher was able to limit the fire damage to a clothes dryer prior to fire department’s arrival on scene.

Two people were in the home at the time. One young occupant of the home suffered minor burns to her arm.

Firefighters cleared a significant accumulation of smoke from the home and removed the clothes dryer for further examination. Damage to the home from smoke is estimated to be in the $10,000 range.

“This is an excellent example of the value in having a fire extinguisher available while the fire is small,” said Fire Chief Ed vanDelden. “Although it is difficult to speculate on what firefighters might have found if the fire extinguisher had not been used, it is certain the outcome would have been worse.”

“While the root cause of the fire is still under investigation, this is an excellent opportunity to remind residents to periodically clean lint from their clothes dryers,” said vanDelden. “Fine lint can accumulate in the appliance in more than just the lint filter, and it is extremely combustible.”

Eighteen volunteer firefighters from Lacombe responded to this call. The first fire engine was on scene in approximately 12.5 minutes.