I wanted to pass on some thoughts about the charm and professionalism of small mountain towns such as Steamboat Springs and Hahns Peak.

We had a 911 call for a chimney fire in our vacation home in Hahns Peak during the weekend.

The fire in the chimney was so intense, the flue was glowing red, and the stove was literally dancing. We knew we were in trouble and only had minutes.

At 6:40 a.m. Saturday, we spoke to Steamboat Springs dispatch, which initiated contact with members of a volunteer fire department at their homes. Volunteers traveled to the fire station to get gear on and arrived at our home in less than 20 minutes … incredible.

Mike, the fire chief, and two firemen, Scott and Linus, had the fire engine and modern heat-detecting equipment ready.

My grandfather Howard Thomas built the cabin in 1963 and was a welder for Exxon Mobile.

He died two years ago at 98. The fire chief said the “chimney was very well constructed” and that my grandfather would be proud.

I said, “proud?” He saved our lives, as did the quick response of the fire department.

I would pay more property taxes so all firemen were paid.

The North Routt Fire Department reminded me that no town is too small to go beyond the call of duty when someone needs help

Jamie Baird

Westminster