Deputies hospitalized after saving children from fire

CLARKSVILLE, TN (WSMV) – Two deputies were hospitalized Monday after rescuing two children from a burning house.

Montgomery fire officials said they received a house fire call in the 600 block of Briarwood Road around 1:30 p.m. Deputies Zach Fortner and Cody Evans arrived and discovered two children trapped inside the burning house.

With the help of a nearby ladder, fire officials said both deputies entered a bedroom window, located the children, and were able to exit with them.

“I am proud of Zach and Cody for their selfless and heroic actions this afternoon.” Sheriff John Fuson said. “If not for these two deputies being on the scene as fast as possible, we would be reporting a very different and tragic story this evening. Instead, these two children were saved because of their actions, and a mother is rejoicing instead of grieving.”

Fire officials added that Emergency Medical Services provided medical care and transportation to the nearby hospital. Both deputies will be treated for smoke inhalation and are reported to be in stable condition. The children are now under the care of their mother.

“The good lord is watching over them. You know,” neighbor Wayne Rice said.

A neighbor, who lives close by, said you could smell smoke still lingering in the air.

“I looked at my buddy’s house. It ain’t pretty,” Rice said.

Rice said he’s still in disbelief over the fire.

“It’s scary. You never know what’s going to go on down the road,” Rice said.

Rice told News 4 that the children are doing okay and are currently in the care of a family member.

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