Passerby’s quick action minimizes effects of garage fire

by Laura Bednar

Two community members brought a whole new meaning to the phrase “being neighborly” after seeing a garage fire on South Ridge Road and jumping into action.

Sagamore resident Ashleigh Apsega was riding her bicycle on July 23, starting at her home on Mottl Drive and traveling along South Ridge Road, when she saw smoke coming from a home’s garage.

“I almost did a double take,” she said. “The garage was closed and it looked like there was no one home, or they were not aware of what was going on.”

She knew she had to call 911 but, panicked, couldn’t remember the name of the street. Apsega said she flagged down a woman motorist to ask for the street name. The woman gave her the name and told Apsega to call the fire department and she would see if anyone was home.

After the woman rang the doorbell and loudly knocked on the door, a male resident answered and started to put the fire out with an outdoor hose. The fire department arrived soon after the call. Apsega said it was a team effort between her and the female driver, whose name she did not get.

“I had never seen anything like that before, and if anybody saw what I saw, they would have called,” said Apsega.

The home belongs to Sagamore Hills Township administrative assistant Joanne Taylor and her husband. She said black garbage bags of yard waste were laying on the cement next to the garage, and the dark colored bags with dry leaves exposed to extreme heat led to the fire.

“If [Apsega] hadn’t seen it when she did, I don’t know what would have happened,” said Taylor.

Luckily, the neighbors’ response kept the fire localized to a portion of the garage. A vehicle was in the garage at the time, and if the fire had spread, the gasoline inside the car could have exacerbated the situation.

“We’re lucky the fire didn’t spread,” said Taylor. “We’ve never had anything happen like that before.”

Added Apsega,“I’m glad no one was hurt.” ∞

Photo: The fire at the Taylor home on South Ridge Drive was localized to just the garage thanks to help from passing community members. Photo submitted.