La VERGNE, TN (WGNS) - La Vergne Fire Rescue crews moved fast Tuesday afternoon after a neighbor spotted a fire on Cheryl Lane and called 911. Firefighters arrived in roughly two minutes and immediately hit the flames, stopping the fire before it could push farther into the home.

The fire started in an exterior storage container and spread to the home’s vinyl siding. Crews had water on it within seconds of stepping off the truck, limiting the damage to the outside of the residence. At this point, officials say it doesn’t appear the fire made it through the exterior wall, though firefighters stayed on scene to check for hot spots and scan the area with thermal imaging equipment.

There was a light haze inside the garage, but early assessments showed the fire had been contained before it could cause more serious damage.

Fire Marshal Curtis Brinkley said the quick actions of both the neighbor and responding crews made all the difference. “This could have been much worse,” he said. “The quick call from a neighbor and the fast response by crews helped keep the fire from spreading farther into the home.”

Preliminary information suggests the fire may have started in the storage container, possibly involving incompatible discarded materials. The exact cause is still under investigation, but officials say improperly stored or disposed items may have played a role.

La Vergne Fire Rescue responded with five apparatus and 16 personnel, including command staff. Lieutenant Allen McCormick served as incident commander.

The department is reminding residents to be cautious when disposing of combustible or incompatible materials. Items like oily rags, fuel‑related products, and other flammable household waste should be handled and stored carefully to reduce the risk of fire