ALAMOSA – The quick action by a youthful Alamosa Fire Department rookie possibly saved several downtown businesses from fire damage Wednesday night. 

Josh Cline, a recent graduate of the AFD’s new “Explorer Program” and a senior at Alamosa High School, is an employee at Woody’s Q Shack where he used a fire extinguisher to put out fire in an electric meter in the alley behind the restaurant. 

AFD Captain Zach Cerny said firefighters arrived on scene about 7:40 p.m. to assist and monitor the situation until Xcel Energy staff arrived about an hour later. He noted that the bank of electric meters is located on the back of the building occupied by Wild Boots by Olivia, a clothing and shoe store, which experienced some light smoke inside. 

Cerny said when the AFD arrived with 10 staff and three units some arcing was still occurring from the meter which they continued to apply the fire extinguisher to. 

“We’re thankful to have a firefighter on staff,” stated a Facebook post from Woody’s Q Shack. “While working tonight, our staff smelled an electrical fire. Josh went outside and found the fire, grabbed one of our fire extinguishers and jumped into action. 

“With his quick response he saved our restaurant and prevented any kind of damage to the businesses behind us. We’re proud of you Josh.” 

Woody’s offered free lunch to firefighters on Thursday.