The DeKalb County Fire Department was able to save a house last week after several outbuildings caught fire, right next to the home. Fire officials say that the residence was only minutes from being destroyed.

On Tuesday, June 8, at around 12:30 PM, E-911 dispatch received a call reporting a structure fire at the home of Herb Checchi at 104 Old Dry Creek in Dowelltown. Checchi, volunteer firefighter himself, reported that he was inside his house when he heard what he thought was thunder. Afterwards, Checchi reported that his dogs were acting up and that when he went outside to investigate, he found several sheds located next to the house, engulfed in flames.

Liberty Engine 65, Cookeville Highway Engine 61, Main Station Engine 59, and Tanker 1 with the DeKalb Fire Department, along with a unit with DeKalb EMS and a deputy with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, responded to the scene.

According to DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green, when fire crews arrived, they found large flames lapping against the home. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire, keeping it from spreading to the house and other structures.

Officials say that two sheds, a car, ATVs, UTVs, small engines and other equipment were destroyed in the blaze. The home did suffer some exterior damage, but was otherwise unharmed.