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Two Portsmouth Police officers prevent a crisis from becoming a tragedy

The officers saved an elderly couple and kept a fire from growing out of control

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — An elderly Portsmouth couple can thank two quick-acting police officers for saving their home, and possibly their lives after the officers saw through a window that there was a fire in their residence.

According to police department spokesperson Sgt. Misty Holley, Officers Long and Nelson were in the 2700 block of Ash Street about another incident when Officer Long saw flames through the window of a nearby home. The two officers ran to the home while reporting it to their dispatcher. 

Inside the home, they found an elderly couple inside trying to put out the fire themselves with a pan of water. After helping the couple out of the home, Officer Nelson ran to his cruiser, grabbed a fire extinguisher from the trunk and put out the fire, all while Officer Long looked after the couple.

Portsmouth firefighters arrived and checked to make sure the fire was completely out, and to check to make sure the elderly residents weren't injured. They subsequently determined that the fire was caused by a small space heater that had been placed too close to bedding in the home.

"Although this incident ended with everyone getting out of the home safely, the circumstances could have been different had the officers not been there and took immediate action," Holley said. 

She also wanted to take the opportunity to pass on some fire safety tips to residents about: "This incident is also a good reminder for our citizens that during the winter months it is important to ensure that we exercise caution when using space, kerosene, or other portable heating devices in our homes to stay warm.  Keep these types of heaters from coming into direct contact with clothing, bedding, curtains, furniture and any other flammable items in the home.  A majority of operating manuals for these devices suggest maintaining a minimum distance of at least three feet away from flammable items."

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