A 22 year old Castlegar man was recently recognized by the City of Castlegar and nominated for a Certificate of Accommodation from the Fire Commissioner’s Office for extinguishing a fire at his neighbour’s house last month.

Liam Harder heard a crashing sound at roughly 1 a.m. on Sept. 12, then looked out his window to see two fires burning on his neighbours property on 5th Avenue. He instantly woke up his father, told him to call 911 and rushed across the street with a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. A man and his 10-year-old son were asleep in the house; luckily, no one was harmed.

The report from the Castlegar RCMP and Fire Department confirmed "the fire was a result of suspect(s) throwing incendiary devices onto the property." The situation is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Castlegar RCMP at (250) 365-7721.

At the Oct. 23 city council meeting, Harder was presented a challenge coin, a certificate and a hat for his actions. The Fire Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation is awarded by the B.C Government recognizing "those who make outstanding contributions to fire safety in the province. It can be awarded to the public as well as members of the fire service.

Harder credited fire training he received during his job as a millwright for teaching him how to safely eliminate a fire. He also mentioned how his background in sports has taught him to stay calm in stressful situations. While he appreciates the recognition, Harder said, “I was just doing what any other neighbour would have done.”

Harder told his story on CJLY, listen to it below: