News Release Clay County Emergency Management
Last night near midnight, Aaron Ackerman was driving home from work and observed an active fire on the east end of a home in the 300 block of Clay Ave in Clay Center.
Aaron reacted well and quickly. He called 911 reporting the fire and began pounding on the front door of the home to alert them of the fire.
After some tense moments the occupants, who were asleep, came to the door and Ackerman alerted them to the fire. He helped the two 74-year-old homeowners and their 18-year-old grandson who had been asleep until his pounding on the door brought them to the door evacuate with the family's two dogs. There were no injuries.
On duty Clay County Deputies responded to aid on this call.
Clay Center Fire and EMS responded as did Fairfield, Sutton, Edgar, and Harvard Fire Departments.
Neighbors and friends helped the family find shelter overnight. The American Red Cross Grand Island office which serves Clay County was put in contact with the homeowners and is providing outreach as well.
There was extensive damage to the home, but due to Ackerman's actions, there were no injuries or loss of life.
Fires may not happen to you, but this is a good reminder to make sure your fire alarms are working and properly placed. We ask you to check them twice a year. Emergency Managers have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide 10-year fire alarms for homes who want them. They only need to be tested as the batteries are good for 10 years. The life of the detector.
Please make sure you have working fire detectors in your home, on each floor of the home and outside of each bedroom. We have provided several to households in Clay County in the last year. Let's all work together to keep our homes prepared and safe for all potential disasters. Don't fall into the trap of "this will never happen to me". It can and it does.
Our county is lucky to have had Mr. Ackerman in the area and take such quick and direct action to help a family.