A Rossland couple have been honoured for actions that likely saved the lives of their neighbours in a recent house fire.
Shane Dixon and Leanne Cruickshank received a Good Neighbour commendation from Rossland city council at Monday night’s council meeting.
Dixon came to the meeting to receive the plaque and gifts from council.
He says he was woken up by Cruickshank in the middle of the night on Feb. 22, when she heard a fire.
“We opened the blinds and our whole backyard was glowing orange,” Dixon recalled. The neighbour’s house was on fire, with flames and smoke pouring out of the roof.
“I just threw some pants on, not even a shirt, just a jacket, slipped on some boots, went next door and hammered on the door,” he says. “I ran in and yelled.”
The family and its pets were able to get out of the house safely, but the home was severely damaged and the family lost many possessions.
Firefighters from Rossland, Trail and Warfield responded and were able to put out the fire and protect neighbouring homes. The fire is not regarded as suspicious. Investigators are determining the cause.
Dixon says he was reluctant to come to the meeting to receive the award, and downplayed the couple’s role in the incident.
“I think anyone would have done the same thing in the same circumstances,” he told the Rossland News.
Members of the Rossland fire department attended the council meeting to show their appreciation for Dixon and Cruickshank.