It was an unfortunate scene right before the holidays. A home at 8644 Church St. in Portland was engulfed in smoke around 3:10 p.m. Saturday.

What was very impressive, however, was the massive turnout by local emergency responders. Crews from Dunkirk to Ripley headed to the scene to minimize damage on the structure, located at the corner of Second Street.

Westfield Fire Department came with their ladder truck, which was essential in battling the blaze. In all, at least 10 companies — as well as the county — were on the scene on this Saturday afternoon. Filled with the smell of smoke, many of these volunteers stayed the full five hours in fighting the good fight.

Our community must be proud of these efforts.