Local handyman plans to rebuild his home after fire

A Gulfport family is fully motivated to get back on their feet after watching flames and smoke engulf their home.

Local handyman Michael Davison plans to ‘build back better’ after a chimney fire leaves his home charred. His experience as a former fireman, veteran, and handyman all come in handy as he prepares to repair his home room by room on his own.

On Saturday around noon, the Davison’s were watching TV when their chimney caught fire. “I had the fire going in the fire place and I kept hearing the fire crackling and roaring.”

Davison, his wife, and nine-year-old son all made it out of the house safely, but watched it burn from across the street. His son, McKinley, said, “I look up at the roof, the whole roof was on fire.”

Davison’s experience as a former firefighter in Laurel came in handy. “I knew what was going on, when I seen the smoke, I knew it was sucking it back in and I knew it was between the walls because it wouldn’t let the smoke come in.”

The house burned for about 15 minutes, damaging the left side of the home and roof. Now, the real work begins. “I don’t worry about it because I am a builder. So, I just got work to do.”

As a handyman and owner of A-TruSource, LLC, specializing in roofing, A/C, and fences, Davison plans to quote ‘build back better.’

The Reservation Neighborhood in Gulfport has come together to help get them back on their feet. “I’ve been blessed. All my neighbors, they have taken very good care of us. They’ve given us money and they’re still giving money.”

Davison tells News 25 he hopes to rebuild his home within the next six months to a year, taking it day by day and room by room. “I look at everything, just like the Bible says ‘all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.’ So, I don’t worry about it.”