TUPPER LAKE — A watchful neighbor and quick action from the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department saved a house on Little Wolf Road from a chimney fire Tuesday night.

Chief Royce Cole said the two occupants — and their dog — of 92 Little Wolf Road were in their home when a neighbor knocked on the door and told them their house was on fire.

“They had no idea that their house was on fire,” Cole said.

Cole said his members moved quickly, getting to the scene at 7:54 p.m. and putting the fire out within around 10 minutes of arrival.

“It was a great save; quick response. The guys got the fire knocked down quick,” Cole said. “In the fire world it was a very impressive save.”

He said the fire was 90% on the exterior, mostly catching the structure’s cedar shake shingles. Some did get under the house’s tin roof. Cole said there was minimal water damage, no smoke damage on the inside and the two occupants and their dog were able to spend that night in their home.

“It was all the grace of God that everything worked out,” Cole said.

The cause was determined to have been the chimney.

Cole thanked the Piercefield Volunteer Fire Department, Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department for their help, sending personnel and trucks to stand by at the station.

Cole also thanked the village electric and police departments.

There were casualties though. The Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department hit a deer on the way over, and possibly an owl. It was a “football-sized” animal, according to Cole. Also, fireman and village Mayor Paul Maroun said in the rush he ripped a pocket on his famous “Big Red” winter coat.

“Very discouraging,” Maroun said at a Wednesday night village board meeting. “But I should have had my turnout gear on … so it’s my own fault.”