STRUCTURE FIRE: Vacationing Milford man saves West Yarmouth home…

Above photos: Cory Sulminiski after today’s fire…

WEST YARMOUTH – A Milford man used a garden hose to help knock down the flames…

Cory Sulminiski, of Milford, was outside enjoying his week-long vacation with family when he heard fire alarms sounding on the next block. Sulminiski hopped on a bicycle and drove over to 36 Wimbledon Drive where he saw smoke.

Upon further investigation, Sulminiski observed flames inside the kitchen window. He quickly grabbed a nearby garden hose and began attacking a stove-top fire that was beginning to extend further.

Two unnamed construction workers from a neighboring residence also responded with two fire extinguishers, discharging them through a window into the burning kitchen area.

(The two unnamed construction workers who helped knock down today’s fire – click on images to enlarge)

Newly named Yarmouth Fire Chief Philip Simonian (who was to be officially sworn in today during a 6:00PM ceremony at Yarmouth Town Hall), told HN that the actions of these men definitely helped save the home from further damage.

(YFD Chief Philip Simonian managing today’s structure fire – click on images to enlarge)

Had the fire been left burning another 4 or 5 minutes, the home would have become much more involved with flames extending to the other rooms in the house.

It was a good save.

At about 3:09PM this afternoon, firefighters from Yarmouth and Hyannis responded to the reported structure fire. According to Chief Simonian, the fire appears to have started with unattended pots and pans on the stove.

The fire extended to the range and cabinets above the stove, and the kitchen was severely damaged by heat and smoke.

The occupants, said to be renters, were not at home during the fire. The occupants eventually returned and the homeowner was also notified. An insurance adjuster and fire restoration service were already on scene at the time of this report.

(Occupants observe damages for first time – click on images to enlarge)

Cory Sulminiski initially didn’t want to take credit for today’s save, but his father-in-law, a veteran pressman for an off-Cape newspaper, tipped off HN as to his whereabouts. HN was then able to track Sulminiski down and interrupt his vacation a second time. Sulminiski generously took a few moments away from his young family and explained how he came to be involved with fighting today’s fire. (It has been quite a vacation for both him and his family so far.)

HN Note: Seconds matter during any fire. The quick thinking of today’s good Samaritans saved the homeowner and renters from a lot more grief. After returning to the scene for the first time, the elderly female occupant was overcome with emotion. A fire official was quick to remind her that nobody was injured and that it could have been a lot worse. Thanks to Cory Sulminiski and the two unnamed construction workers, it was not a lot worse…

(It’s always hot under all that gear and equipment, but today was especially muggy – click on images to enlarge)