HERMANN — The quick action of local emergency service units responding to a fire last Wednesday at Stonebridge (formerly Frene Valley) nursing home were hailed by city and county government leaders.

There were no injuries reported in the mid-afternoon fire that broke out. Firefighters with Hermann Fire Company had the propane-fed fire under control barely more than an hour after it was reported at 3:50 p.m.

Hermann Police Department personnel and members of the Hermann Area Ambulance District assisted with the evacuation of residents in advance of the arrival of the firefighting equipment, according to the firefighting agency. After the fire was extinguished, the Gasconade County Health Department and Hermann city utilities were brought in to secure the nursing facility.

Hermann Fire Company officials noted that while local firefighters were responding to this incident, the Big Spring Fire Company and the New Haven-Berger Fire Protection District provided coverage for the territory normally covered by the Hermann Fire Company.

Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Tim Schulte, R-Hermann, on Thursday morning and Hermann Mayor Bruce Cox Monday night applauded the quick work done by local firefighters and related agencies in responding to the fire and ensuring the safety of the residents.

Hermann Area District Hospital staff assisted residents by helping distribute sandwiches and beverages donated by local restaurants.