UPDATE 6:30 p.m.
An alert neighbor and a quick response from the South Byron Fire Department helped prevent a house fire early Sunday morning from becoming an inferno.
The fire was reported by a neighbor at 3:34 a.m., according to the Sheriff's Office, at the Samuel Ferrara residence, 6307 E. Main St. Road, South Byron.
The caller reported seeing smoke and flames from under the eave of the porch.
"Fast action by neighbors, the homeowner and a quick response by the South Byron Fire Department are credited with limiting the damage to the porch only," said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.
The Byron Fire Department also responded.
Chief James McKenzie both departments turned out in force for the early morning alarm.
"I was impressed with the turnout we had," McKenzie said.
McKenzie said a good portion of the fire was knocked down by the resident and a neighbor by the time the first truck rolled up.
The neighbor had fire extinguishers and the resident had a garden hose.
Because there was extension into the walls, firefighters had to open a couple of walls to get to the fire and ensure it was out.
There were no injuries reported.
The cause was apparently a discarded cigarette. The fire caused an estimate $30,000 to $40,000 damage.
South Byron and Byron firefighters cleared the scene at 7:03 a.m.
