With fire billowing out of the balcony door and surrounding him, a Vicksburg firefighter calmly stood his ground and worked to pull the firehose from inside the home.

Other VPD firefighters were forced to battle their way out of the burning home on Cherry Street Tuesday night after the blaze changed directions and surrounded them. After escaping through the front door, the men quickly rejoined the fight to battle blaze.

Although they weren’t able to save the structure, the Vicksburg Fire Department’s firefighters were true heroes Tuesday night. With the odds against them and a roaring fire consuming the home, the firefighters worked to contain it and keep the fire from spreading to other homes, which they succeeded in doing.

They risked their lives entering the home and stayed on scene for more than 17 hours to make sure the fire was fully out and no hot spots would reignite.

Under the guidance of Chief Craig Danczyk, the Vicksburg firefighters proved themselves to be consummate professionals Tuesday night.

They worked quickly and efficiently as some helped to change oxygen tank for their fellow firefighters and others manned hoses attacking the fire from three sides of the home and above.

Vicksburg police officers kept the road blocked to make sure the firefighters had room to work and deserve to be commended as well for a long night on the scene.

If you know a Vicksburg firefighter or police officer, take a moment and thank them for their service and hard work because every day, and Tuesday evening especially, they place their lives on the line to keep the people of Vicksburg safe.