A quick response from local fire departments prevented a home from being totally destroyed by an overnight fire.

According to the Greene County Sheriff’s report, the Rippey and Grand Junction Fire departments, along with the Greene County Sheriff’s office, responded to the incident just before 10:30pm Sunday night at 101 Lovejoy Street in Rippey.

Rippey Fire Chief Pete Johnson told Raccoon Valley Radio when they arrived on scene, the fire was still inside one of the bedrooms. Firefighters entered the home through the front door, but then decided it was easier to put out the flames from the outside. Not only was the location of the fire tricky to get to, but Johnson also pointed out fighting the weather elements. Wind Chills were below zero and Johnson said at one point, one of their hoses froze up.They had to keep water constantly trickling out of the hose, to keep anymore hoses from freezing up. Johnson added that  he hasn’t encountered such cold temperatures having that kind of an effect on their equipment in 20 years. Johnson was also thankful that Grand Junction responded, otherwise, he said he would’ve been in “deep trouble.” To keep firefighters warm, Johnson said he rotated people in and out of the cold.

Johnson noted that there were two people inside at the time of the fire, but were able to get out safely. There was smoke damage to the home, and one bedroom was considered a total loss. No one was hurt in the incident and Johnson said crews were on scene for 2 and a half hours. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. According to the Greene County Assessor’s real estate web page, the home belongs to Julie Kern.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.