The barn on fire in this episode is the same barn on fire in "Lassie Adopts the Fire Chief."

Ed Washburne is Fire Chief of the Calverton Volunteer Fire Department. He also owns and operates the hardware store in Calverton.

The Calverton Fire Truck speeds through streets that would later become Andy Griffith's Mayberry. The Sheriff's Headquarters and Andy's house can be seen.

Timmy: Dad, is being scared so terribly wrong?
Hugh: No, Timmy ... most everybody is at one time or another. But when our fears become harmful to others, then it's time to do something about it.

Timmy: I wouldn't give away Lassie for anything.
Ed: Sure you would. If it was best for her. Because we can't be selfish about the things that we love.

Timmy gives Lassie away in the first episode of the eleventh season.

Timmy: (to Smokey) Stop acting like a sissy and start acting like a fire dog!

Timmy: You're no longer a pup ... like the day Lassie saved you in that burning house.

Smokey was only a puppy when rescued from a fire by Lassie ("Lassie Adopts a Fire Chief" 08x09). In "Howling Hero", Smokey has a flashback to those moments.