Two men are being recognized for their efforts in evacuating people from a burning home on November 17, 2022.

Scott Napper was driving to work when he noticed a fire on the outside of a home on the 1500 block of 7th Avenue North. After Napper called 911, he was joined by Aaron Lange.

There was a car in the driveway and lights were on in the basement. The two men banged on the door and after receiving no response, went inside the house. They found tenants in the basement, including one person who was visually impaired. The men escorted the tenants outside the burning building and to a neighbor’s home for shelter.

The fire caused $350,000 damage and was a complete loss.

“We are thankful that Aaron and Mike were able to pick up on the minute details that signalled there were people inside the home,” said Morgan Hackl, Saskatoon fire chief. “Their willingness to spontaneously put their morning plans on hold to help their neighbours is a value at the heart of the culture in Saskatoon.”

Lange and Napper were each presented with an Award of Merit during a presentation ceremony at Fire Station No.1 on Friday morning.

(Above photo left to right: Mike Napper, City Councillor Bev Dubois, Aaron Lange and Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl)