Russ Davis heard popping sounds around 1:30 a.m. “I’m a light sleeper, I heard the pops and figured out what was going on and got Nancy out,” Davis said.

The couple had gone to bed at their North Lake Brownwood home, turning on the heat as temperatures dropped on Friday. Just an hour after midnight, flames tore through their home.

According to Brownwood Fire Marshall Buddy Preston, a heating unit malfunction caused the fire.

It was fortunate Davis woke before the smoke alarms sounded. “It happened so fast,” Davis said. “It was incredible.” The couple managed to get out safely, along with their dog, a schnauzer mix named ‘Rufus.” Sadly, in the confusion, Rufus returned to the home and perished in the fire.

Multiple fire departments responded to the emergency call including volunteer firefighters from Rising Star and Early, as well as Lake Brownwood departments.

Davis is grateful for their swift response and the outpour of concern from the community. “People have offered us places to stay, we’ve had friends come out from everywhere,” said Davis.

The home was completely destroyed along with their two vehicles. “The memories are tough, you think about things that used to be there but now they’re gone.”

The big thing is we got out alive,” Davis said. “The rest is just stuff. We’re still here and we’ll rebuild.”

A Go Fund Me account has been set up for the couple by family members.