Former firefighter saves neighbors from burning home in Flatwoods

FLATWOODS, La. (KALB) - A Flatwoods man is being called a hero after saving his neighbors from a house fire in the early morning hours last Thursday, April 23.

Tyler Brownlee was on his way to his timber job around 4:30 a.m. when he spotted flames coming from his neighbor’s home.

“When I first got here, the flames were coming out of the middle of the house, and smoke was rolling out of both sides,” Brownlee said.

Brownlee, a former volunteer firefighter with the Flatwoods Volunteer Fire Department, knew breaking in could make things worse.

“By kicking the door in, it would give it oxygen and feed the flame more,” he said.

Instead, he banged on doors and windows until the couple inside made it out.

“They really didn’t know what was going on. So I had to keep explaining to them that their house was on fire,” Brownlee said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Flatwoods Fire Chief Rebecca Knight said the moment hit close to home. She grew up with the homeowner, who lived in the house with his girlfriend.

“When I heard the address, I knew. I knew who it was, and I was so worried. I was like, ‘Oh, God, I hope they weren’t in there,’” Knight said.

When Knight arrived, she asked one critical question.

“I said, ‘Did you have smoke detectors?’ He said, ‘I did not,’” Knight said.

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal offers free smoke detectors through its Operation Save-A-Life program in partnership with local fire departments.

Knight hopes this fire serves as a warning.

“We are here to serve. If you need smoke detectors, please contact us. Please stop by the station. If you see me out in public...we’re always willing to help,” Knight said.

The home is a total loss. For Brownlee, that pain is personal. He said his family went through the same thing when he was a child.

“I feel their pain and what they’re going through. I know it’s tough, but it can be done and, you know, they can, you know, come back from it,” Brownlee said.

If you would like to donate to the couple who lost their home in the fire, you are asked to bring a donation to the Flatwoods Volunteer Fire Department. They are located at 2051 LA-8, Flatwoods, LA 71427.

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