At 16:17 Shepherds Firefighter (M.Bednarik) was driving home after picking up his young son (Logan) from school when Logan told his dad "I see black smoke daddy" while traveling on the Perth Rd bridge. Looking to see what his son was talking about Mike indeed noticed a cloud of black smoke and went to investigate. After traveling down Morgan Bluff rd and not noticing anything Mike turned around and began to head out when Logan saw the smoke again. This time Mike turned onto Blackbeard lane and noticed a homeowner with a green line in hand trying to extinguish a fire on the "D-side" of the residence. Mike quickly radioed in to ECOM alerting them to dispatch Shepherds for a working structure fire. ECOM acknowledged and that they were on the phone with the caller as they were speaking to Mike. Mike went out to talk to the homeowner and noticed that the fire was coming from the power meter of the residence and advised the homeowner to stop spraying water on same. Shepherds Engine 2 was the first arriving piece of apparatus on location and due to access being tight laid approx 400ft of LDH with the assistance of Mike down for other incoming rigs. As other units began arriving (Troutman, Mooresville E4 & other Shepherds units) personnel first extinguished the fire which was heading towards the attic area as much as they could due to the source coming from the power meter and immediately requested Duke Power to the scene. Once that was extinguished crews went inside and checked for any other extension (results negative). Once Duke Power arrived and secured the meter the fire was able to be completely extinguished. The incident was scaled back holding only units on scene to complete a little overhaul and load back handlines & LDH before returning back to service around 18:00hrs. Way to go LOGAN!!! Good job on observing black smoke in the air and telling your dad. You've got a bright future if you want to become a Firefighter.
**Photos Courtesy Of TFR 118 Asst Chief Kuhnemann**
