Lamberson rescues neighbors from burning 5th St. home

John Lamberson

Whitefish residents Leon and Glenda McDowell have John Lamberson to thank for saving their lives in a fire last Wednesday that badly damaged their West Fifth Street home.

Lamberson, who lives nearby, happened to be going outside when he realized the McDowell's home was on fire about 10:30 p.m. He jumped into action with a fire extinguisher, and got the McDowells to safety on the lawn before using a garden hose to wet down hot spots.

"John basically put the fire out," said Whitefish Fire Chief Dave Sipe. "He did a real good job. He's a quick thinker on his feet."

Whitefish firefighters picked up where Lamberson left off in making sure the fire was under control.

Leon McDowell was transported by Whitefish Ambulance to North Valley Hospital, where he was hospitalized with first and second-degree burns and smoke inhalation. He has since been released. Glenda was treated and released for smoke inhalation.

Sipe said the fire started on a mattress in a bedroom, but exactly how it started hasn't been determined. Smoke damage was extensive, and there was also some fire damage.

—Lynnette Hintze