A Suffolk Fire & Rescue firefighter, who lives nearby, spotted the fire, entered the home and knocked down flames from a second-floor window

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A nearby off-duty firefighter helped prevent major damage to a Chesapeake home after stepping in to knock down flames before crews arrived.

Chesapeake firefighters responded to the 1200 block of Balladeer Court in Great Bridge for reports of a house fire on March 8. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story home, WTKR reported.

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Inside, firefighters discovered the flames had already been knocked down. Investigators say an off-duty firefighter with Suffolk Fire & Rescue, who lives nearby, noticed the fire and rushed over to help.

In a Facebook post, the department said after putting on his personal protective equipment, the firefighter entered the home and found smoke and flames in the room above the garage. He then went outside, set up a ladder to a second-floor window and used a garden hose to put out the fire before Chesapeake crews arrived.

Firefighters later cleared debris from the room and ventilated the home of smoke. Officials said the quick response kept the fire contained to a small area and likely prevented more extensive damage.

No injuries were reported, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.

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