DOTHAN, Ala. — Two local men are being hailed as heroes after they sprang into action to rescue their neighbors from a house fire on Third Avenue in Dothan. Malik Jackson and Dustin Williamson were outside preparing to pick up Jackson’s children from school when they noticed smoke and flames erupting from the home next door.
Without hesitation, the two men rushed to the scene. Jackson explained that it was simply instinct that drove him to act. “It was the right thing to do. You don’t think. You don’t second guess it, it’s just an instinct to help,” he said. “With them being my neighbors and being as friendly as they are, it just meant simply to reach out because at the end of the day, I would want somebody to help me.”
The fire, which was caused by an improperly extinguished cigarette, quickly spread, threatening the elderly couple inside the home. Jackson and Williamson immediately got the homeowners, who were on the front porch, to safety. The couple also mentioned that their dog was still inside, prompting Williamson to run around the back of the house to try and rescue the animal.
While the homeowners were unharmed, the family’s dog and cat tragically perished in the blaze. “The dog never came out and unfortunately the dog was stuck in the kennel,” Williamson said.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the two men called 911. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, which caused damage to parts of the living room and kitchen. The home, however, was not deemed a total loss. Jackson shared that the homeowner plans to live in a camper in the backyard while repairs are made to the house.
Despite the unfortunate loss of their pets, both Jackson and Williamson expressed relief that the situation wasn’t worse. “It felt like a great deed,” said Williamson. “I think we mattered in the situation, and to them as well. You can’t replace a human, right? That’s the main thing.”
The quick and selfless actions of Jackson and Williamson are a testament to the power of community and neighborly love.
