BIRDSEYE – According to firefighters 12-year-old Dylan Bateson is a hero. He saved his family after their home was engulfed in flames on Thursday evening.
According to the Dubois County Free Press, Meagan and Matthew Bateson had left their children, 8-year-old Brixon, and Taegan, 6 in the care of their eldest, Dylan, while they assisted a friend. Unfortunately, soon after leaving the home, the Bateson’s car broke down. A few moments later, as they were attempting to remedy the car issues, they got a call from Dylan that the house was on fire.
Dylan promptly woke his siblings who were asleep and got them out of the house. He then rescued the family’s pets Chomper a dog along with two cats, Boo and Pete.
Dylan then managed to grab his school backpack and Chromebook.
He then ran to his neighbor’s house. David Fischer, who serves on the St. Anthony Volunteer Fire Department immediately called 911.
According to Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department Chief Craig Englert the fire at 30 Poplar Street was reported at 10:09 p.m. Firefighters were on the scene by 10:16 p.m. to find the mobile home engulfed in flames. Schnellville VFD was requested to assist with tanker support.
The home was destroyed.
Firefighters remained on scene until after 1 a.m.
The State Fire Marshall’s office was alerted to help determine the cause of the blaze.
