Becky Long • Clay County Progress Tylor Matheson reunites with the family dog, “Tudy,” which had been leashed to the front porch railing when the fire erupted. Deputy Tyler Faggard cut the leash to free the dog from the flames and smoke.
By Becky Long
Publisher
An April Fool’s day fire on Yellow Jacket Drive was anything but funny for a local man who was awakened by a buzzing sound, flames and heavy smoke in his home.
Tylor Matheson, who works nightshift as a nurse at Murphy Medical Center, was sleeping around 1 p.m. when he heard a strange buzzing noise.
“I heard a buzzing sound and then I saw flames,” he said.
Tylor walked across the street to the Clay County Progress newspaper office where 911 was called. In the brief description he gave the dispatcher, he noted there was no one else home.
He confirmed there were guns and ammunition in the house, which firefighers need to be aware of as they work to get the flames under control.
Minutes after the call, Fire Chief Brian Anderson arrived and soon a number of firefighters went to work to control the fire.
Clay County Sheriff’s Officer Tyler Faggard was among the first on the scene and focused on freeing the family dog, “Tudy,” which was on a leash tied to the small front porch.
The dog fled the scene briefly after being freed, but later returned and was seen safe in Matheson’s arms.
Unfortunately, the family’s 7-year-old cat,”Biscuit,” did not survive.
Tylor lived in the home with his mother, Arleen Carroll and her husband Michael who works out of town.
Arleen is also a nurse at Murphy Medical Center. On Monday, she was in Wisconsin when she learned about the fire. The only thing she wanted to know at that point was whether her son was safe.
“Carly called me to see if I was OK. I said yes. I guess I sounded confused why she was calling. She said I think your house is on fire. I freaked out because I knew Tylor was sleeping as we both work night shift,” said Carroll.
Close friend, Carly Murray was at the scene and told Carroll she would alert the firefighters that her son was in the house; fortunately, that was not the case.
“I was crying because she said it was so bad and I thought Tylor was still in there. Someone finally told her he was out.
“Once I found out he was OK I was just relieved,” said Carroll. Most of the stuff can be replaced, he can’t be.”
While no one is certain where the initial “buzzing” sound came from, Matheson believes the fire may have been caused by a space heater.
Anderson confirmed that it was an electrical fire.
In the meantime, Tudy is at Carroll’s sister’s house, “very confused and anxious, but she is good,” said Carroll.
When asked how the community could help, she said, “Prayers for now. I’m not sure what’s happening right now. I will be there tomorrow; we’re traveling back now through some snow.”