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Neighbors Angry Following Vaughn Fire

Neighbors Angry Following Vaughn Fire

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Nov 5, 2009 at 9:22 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 10:40 PM MST

A family is homeless tonight, following an early morning fire in Vaughn. No people were injured in the blaze, but three pets were killed and the mobile home is a total loss. Now some have questions for the Vaughn Fire Department.

Twelve-year-old Brandon Black got a rude awakening around 3 o’clock this morning.

"My dad woke me up and I looked out the window, but I couldn’t see because of all the smoke. I could not breathe,” Black said.

Brandon, his father, and stepmother were able to escape, but his dog, rabbit, and bird were not as fortunate.

"We had to hear him whining and screaming. Our dog."

Brandon’s father Richard was unhappy with the Vaughn Volunteer Fire Department.

“It took 23 minutes for them to get here and the truck was broken when they arrived," Black said. “Then their 2nd truck didn’t have any water and Gore Hill Fire had to put it out.”

But Fire Chief Nate Curtis says it took about 10 minutes from the time they were paged.

"From the time the page goes off, we have to get dressed, get to the station, before the trucks can go out. We are a volunteer crew."

"I realize they are all volunteers, but that's their job,” said neighbor Wally Larson. “They need to keep their equipment working. We depend on them to save lives. It's lucky they got out alive."

"All truck have difficulties," said Chief Curtis. “Mechanical problems happen.”

The American Red Cross found a place for the family to stay for now, and they did have full insurance coverage on the home. But it will be a night that Brandon and his family won’t soon forget.

“This (dog) is the only pet left I have left,” Black said. “So I have to keep a close eye on her.”


The Cascade County Sheriff's Office is investigating to see whether there was criminal involvement in the fire. Richard Black says neighbors have been generous in offering them food and clothing.

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Jaxx said on Saturday, Nov 7 at 7:59 PM

I think it is great that they responded at all. The fire departments of all of these small towns are getting over worked and underappreciated. At 3 am how fast can you get to work and function well? Do you really think that you can go from a sound sleep to work in 23 minutes? Give these guys some credit for giving up thier own time and time with their family to get trained and to do that job. Are any of the folks complaining volunteering to get out of their warm bed at 3 am. Try it.

outtatown said on Friday, Nov 6 at 11:19 PM

Really, "Morons" obviosly the family got out on their own, so what did the volunteer fire dpt help with exactly? the loss of their home?

Tom DuBay said on Friday, Nov 6 at 1:40 PM

Hello-I think we need to think what the family is going through.Try and be in there shoes.I am very upset the pets that where lost as well.I think someone could of gotten them out.

Wow said on Friday, Nov 6 at 12:13 PM

Montana sure is full of haters. This family just lost everything. Anyone would be upset when it takes the fire department 23 minutes to arrive! That's unacceptable!

Morons said on Friday, Nov 6 at 10:12 AM

BS Black family. They are volunteer. They did their best helping you out but you still complain. Just be thankful you are alive. I bet if they wanted to raise taxes to keep their equipment up to date and top of the line, you would complain about that too. Its unfortunate you lost your home but don't blame others that are VOLUNTEERING to help!!!!!!!

WL Lewis said on Friday, Nov 6 at 9:02 AM

I agree that the fireman should have been more prepared. An escape plan by the family might have saved their animals. A lesson for all

Lar_dawg said on Friday, Nov 6 at 8:43 AM

NICE! Good going Vaughn. Blame the next guy for what the whole communuty is responsible for. Granted the firemen should have been prepared but all of you are responsible for oversight.

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