Anne Scarffe, Peak to Peak. While finishing up errands on December 2, 2020, Debbie and Jason McCall saw smoke in Golden Gate Canyon on a home under construction in Daydream Road. A workman, Travis, was on the premises, but unaware of the fire in the construction dumpster next to the house, with flames jumping up towards the second-floor window. 

The McCalls were able to get access to the property to get the attention of the workman inside, and together they found a household extinguisher that had little effect on the fire and a shovel and a water source and containers. They tried to call 911 but were unable to connect, so they used their car’s emergency system to finally get the fire department. 

Debbie drove to the neighbor’s house and secured their assistance. The workman used his truck to move the dumpster away from the house, and they used snow to smother the fire. 

With all they accomplished, when the fire department and a Jefferson County deputy arrived, they were unimpressed by the dumpster fire, but the McCalls and Travis saved the house. 

The window was broken and some outer wall damage occurred. The homeowner, Jocelyn Wilmot, arrived home and was very appreciative of them saving her home. 

“Thank you guys so much. We are incredibly thankful for the fast actions,” Wilmot said.

“Jason and Travis are the real heroes. I was glad Travis was still there working. His pulling the dumpster away with his truck was quick thinking.”

The garage took no real damage due to their quick action. They had some paint bubble and a window break but no structural damage. 

“Praise the Lord,” she said. Had Jason not done what he did, the fire department said the whole structure would likely have been lost including the garage and house. 

“We will never be able to fully show our gratitude,” Wilmot said.

Golden Gate Fire Protection District was first on scene. They had mutual-aid from Timberline Fire & Fairmount Fire. 

(Originally published in the December 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)