Fire damages child care facility

Two Great Falls men were being called heroes on Saturday after kicking in the back door of a burning child care center to see if anyone was inside.

Preston Caldwell, 31, was working across the street from the house at the Mystic Rythms Tattoo Parlor when he saw smoke coming from the Just Kid ‘N’ Around child care facility at 1225 9th Ave. S. about 6:40 p.m.

“I saw flames and I knew it was a day care center and I wanted to make sure all the kids were out,” he said.

He ran across the street, only to be met up with by Mizrain Vazquez, 29, who was driving by with his family after having a barbecue with relatives.

“I saw it just started and told my old lady to call 9-1-1,” he said.

Together, Vazquez and Caldwell kicked in the back door and ran through the house, only to stop when they were sure no one was inside.

“These guys are heroes in my eyes,” said Melonie Reinhart, who was with Caldwell when the fire started. “This gentleman (Caldwell) just bolted out the door and wasn’t worried about himself.”

Battalion Chief Chuck Rovreit said the blaze would be listed as “undetermined” and said damage was estimated at $10,000-$15,000. He said the damage was mostly cosmetic to siding and drywall.

The owners of the facility were reportedly not at home.