MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — First responders shared some advice for how to handle a shed fire after a Murfreesboro resident tried to extinguish one Sunday morning.
According to the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD), crews were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 to a shed fire beside a home.
When personnel arrived at the scene, they reportedly found the homeowner attempting to put out the flames. Units said they quickly took control of the scene and extinguished the fire, which kept it from spreading to the nearby residence.
Officials said the homeowner was “assessed and transported to the hospital as a precaution,” but no other injuries were reported, and the house wasn’t damaged.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
In light of Sunday morning’s incident, the MFRD shared some reasons for why you shouldn’t try to put out a burning shed on your own:
- Potential for serious injury: Shed fires can escalate rapidly, thus exposing you to extreme heat, thick smoke, and a possible structural collapse.
- Unknown hazards: Sheds often contain flammable or hazardous materials like gasoline, propane, or chemicals, which can ignite or explode.
- Lack of proper equipment: Without professional firefighting equipment and training, attempting to extinguish a shed fire is not only ineffective, but it’s potentially life-threatening.
Instead, officials urge you to call 911 immediately so trained firefighters can respond to the scene and handle the situation as quickly as possible. You should also evacuate the area, moving everyone — including neighbors — away from the burning shed and staying there until first responders declare the area safe.
