Two saved from burning car by North Glengarry firefighter

In this provided photo, a car is engulfed in flames on Highway 417 near Vars, Ont. on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. A North Glengarry firefighter is credited with saving the two people inside. (North Glengarry via Newswatch Group)

ALEXANDRIA – An off-duty North Glengarry firefighter is credited with saving two people from a burning vehicle on Highway 417.

The township says Tristan Shannon was heading home from work in Ottawa on Friday (Jan. 25) when he saw a smoking car on the side of the road near Vars.

“I thought the vehicle was just overheated, but as I drove past it to park on the shoulder of the road, I could see flames shooting from the car,” Shannon said.

He was able to help the two people in the vehicle get out as well as he called 911.

“I moved the people back and within minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames,” he said.

“Without the training I received as a firefighter, I wouldn’t have known how fast the situation could escalate.”

In this provided photo, North Glengarry firefighter Tristan Shannon is credited with saving two people from a burning car on Highway 417 near Vars, Ont. last week. Shannon was heading home from work in Ottawa at the time. (North Glengarry via Newswatch Group)