SIDNEY, Neb. - A tree in the front yard of a Sidney home caught fire Saturday afternoon on Virginia Lane, but quick action by the homeowner and a neighbor kept the flames from spreading, according to the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 12:57 p.m. Sidney firefighters and Region 21 Emergency Management responded, finding the blaze already knocked down with the use of fire extinguishers by the homeowner and neighbor.

The homeowner told responders she'd been removing debris that had blown in from a nearby pasture when the fire sparked in a rocky area beneath the tree. With outdoor hoses already winterized, she ran inside to grab a fire extinguisher while neighbors called 911 and rushed over with another extinguisher. The homeowner later retrieved a hose to help cool remaining hot spots. The cause remains under investigation.

Sidney Fire Chief Matt Butts said the response highlights the importance of having working extinguishers.

“Have fire extinguishers readily available. That way if something happens in a blink, you have one ready to go,” Butts said. “The homeowner already had everything winterized. The quick-thinking homeowner was able to grab the fire extinguisher from the kitchen while the neighbors were coming over to assist with their own fire extinguishers.”

Butts urged residents to inspect extinguishers regularly.

“Make sure you're checking them monthly,” he said. “If they're 10 years old, get them replaced.”

The fire was contained to the single tree and there have been no reports of additional damage.