In a moment of quick thinking, an Ashland mail carrier averted a potential disaster in Ashland on Friday, March 22, 2024.
While delivering her route that day, Brenda Harper noticed smoke coming from the back of a residence in the 1900 Block of Market Street.
Drawing closer, she found flames on back deck of the house. Without hesitation, she promptly dialed 911 to alert authorities.
After making the call, Harper took it upon herself to knock on the doors of neighboring homes to ensure everyone was aware of the imminent danger.
After making the call, Harper took it upon herself to knock on the doors of neighboring homes to ensure everyone was aware of the imminent danger.
Assistant Fire Chief Charlie Orth, who lives nearby, and the rest of the Ashland Fire Department was at the scene within minutes and contained the fire to just the back porch before it got out of control.
An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that a contractor at the home had unknowingly placed hot ashes from their coal stoker into a bag inside a bucket on the back porch. The intense heat from the ashes had melted the bag, igniting the fire, and melting the bucket.
The following day, Assistant Chief Orth took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Ashland Post Office and Harper.
“People think you are just mail carriers, but you are so much more than that; you are the eyes and ears of the public. You all give a personal touch to us in Ashland, it is appreciated, and we thank you,” said Orth.
