Eddy County battalion chief rescues elderly woman from burning home

An Eddy County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief rescued an elderly woman from a house fire early Wednesday, Nov. 16.

The fire was reported at 6:32 a.m. in the 8000 block of Molinar Road south of Carlsbad, according to fire officials.

Battalion Chief Jarred Stock was the first to arrive on scene. He came upon a doublewide residence with smoke showing from the eaves and flames through the roof in the rear, officials said.

Concerned that people may be inside the home, Stock entered from a side door and encountered heavy smoke. He called out to identify anyone inside. An elderly woman screamed from a bedroom, as she was startled awake, officials said. The woman was unable to get out of the home on her own. Stock helped her out of the structure.

A Carlsbad Fire engine responded about two minutes later. The fire was extinguished with the fire damage contained to the attic and rear roof area of the structure.

“The quick actions taken by BC Stock allowed the female to get out of the house with no injuries,” Eddy County fire officials said.

An investigation determined the cause of the fire to be a wood burning stove.