Mt. Blue High School junior Jullian Merrill, second from left, is recognized Monday for his 911 call to report a fire at his neighbor’s barn Feb. 22. From left are school Principal Joel Smith, Merrill, homeowners Mary and Doug Dunlap and Farmington Fire Rescue Department Chief Tim “TD” Hardy, who presented Merrill with a certificate of appreciation. Brian Ponce/Franklin Journal

FARMINGTON — Jullian Merrill, 17, was honored by the Farmington Fire Department on Monday for alerting first responders to a fire at his neighbor’s house in February.

Fire Rescue Department Chief Timothy “TD” Hardy presented the Mt. Blue High School student with a certificate at the school. They were joined by the homeowners, Doug and Mary Dunlap, and Principal Joel Smith.

Hardy said Merrill’s quick action was critical in the department’s efforts to stop the fire from destroying the couple’s home.

The Dunlaps thanked Merrill for his part in saving their home.

On Feb. 22 about 10:30 p.m. the teen woke up to get a drink and heard what sounded like rain, he said. Looking out his bedroom window he saw a red sky followed by a sudden explosion and the Dunlaps’ barn in flames at 513 Holley Road.

“I was a little frightened and saw the big outburst of flames,” Merrill said. “The first thing that came to mind was I need to call somebody. I need to call 911 about this.”

Meanwhile the couple, a retired University of Maine at Farmington professor and a retired family nurse practitioner, woke to the sound of smoke detectors. Mary Dunlap said they walked downstairs to investigate.

“By the time I got downstairs, the fire department was pounding on my door saying, ‘Ma’am, you have to leave now,'” she said.

Flames consume the barn of Doug and Mary Dunlap on Feb. 22 at 53 Holley Road in Farmington. Firefighters were able to save the nearby home. Farmington Fire Rescue Photo

Police Detective Rex Schweighofer was the first on the scene, followed by an off-duty Farmington firefighter who is another Dunlap neighbor.

Farmington Fire Rescue Department was joined by others from Chesterville, Jay, Industry, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Strong, Temple and Wilton.

Doug Dunlap said the fire destroyed their barn and damaged the ell connecting it to the house. The house was saved.

At the May 15 Select Board meeting, police and fire rescue personnel were recognized for their efforts in saving the home. In a letter expressing their gratitude, the couple called firefighters “highly skilled, courageous and compassionate.”

Doug Dunlap said they plan to rebuild. His wife added that she is thankful everyone was safe.