The Hedden family is alive thanks to their neighbor, Rodney Welch, who noticed their house was on fire Tuesday, September 29.
Welch was on his way to work around 5 a.m. when he saw the Heddon home, located at 2584 Mobile Road in McCaysville, on fire. He quickly jumped to action and called 911 before approaching the home and banging on the walls to wake up anyone inside.
At the time of the fire, there were two residents inside who were able to get out safely before first responders made it to the scene.
Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas explained that the call came through to dispatch at 5:01 a.m. A McCaysville police officer responded by 5:06 a.m., and the first fire engine and med unit were on the scene by 5:08 a.m.
By the time the fire engine made it to the scene, all were out of the home, but the house was covered in flames and the crews had to take a defensive attack on a fully involved fire.
Fannin County units cleared the scene by 9:51 a.m., Thomas said.
According to Thomas, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and the state fire marshall is currently investigating.
An account has been set up at United Community Bank to help get the Hedden family get back on their feet after losing everything in the fire. The bank can be reached at 706-632-6000.