Family Owned Tyrone Business Seeks Answers After Fire
The Eagle Eye has been investigating the issue of fires in Tyrone for most of the school year. This story is one part in a four part series.
Courtesy of Brooks Family
Local fire companies try to save the family-owned business, Timbernation.
As smoke and flames engulfed Timbernation, the future of the Tyrone-based family-owned business was very uncertain. When the Brooks family arrived in the early morning of October 19, 2022, all that was left of their custom wood furniture business was ashes. The building was completely burned down, and the family was devastated.
“I was very sad and terrified. I thought our business was over from the looks of it,” said owner Matt Brooks.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, the building was already engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. There were no injuries, but the building was a total loss.
“I’d like to thank the Hookies Fire Department,” said Brooks (Neptune, Bald Eagle, and Bellwood fire companies also responded). “They did an amazing job in containing the fire and they covered our machines so they were not damaged by water.”
The community went above and beyond to help our business. Being in a small community is something I always cherished. It’s the only type of community you will find this kind of love and support,
— Matt Brooks
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and Tyrone Police Department investigated the scene for evidence of how and where the fire started, but according to the family, they are still seeking answers to their questions about the cause.
“He [fire marshall, Scott Swasing] didn’t look into it very far, and to close the case he declared that the wood stove sparking out onto the roof was the cause of the fire,” said Brooks.
But Brooks said he doesn’t think that the final report from the fire marshal tells the whole story.
“Clearly, the fire started inside and near the roof. There was a clear sign of accelerant [a substance used to aid the spread of fire] where the fire originated. This was along the back wall and near the roof. Also, the wood stove didn’t have a fire in it that night,” said Brooks.
The Eagle Eye asked Scott Swasing and the Pennsylvania State Police about the accelerant evidence the Brooks family found, but they did not respond.
“The police haven’t said anything since we reported a possible arson attack. I thought our business was over from the looks of it and I don’t think we will ever know what truly happened,” said Brooks.
After the fire, the community rallied behind the Brooks family to help them keep their business going, through fundraisers and events.
“Family businesses like Timbernation deserve our support. They embody the importance of family, community, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The audio rack and isolation platform they made for me are awesome and will be enjoyed by one of my sons long after I am gone. Thank you and all the best to your family in this difficult time,” said one of Timbernation’s loyal customers, Larry Magill.
After assessing the damage from the fire, Kara Brooks immediately started a GoFundMe page to try and help the business continue. The Brooks family set a goal to raise at least $7,000. The community and Timbernation supporters were able to raise $7,745 to help the business proceed.
“The community went above and beyond to help our business. Being in a small community is something I always cherished. It’s the only type of community you will find this kind of love and support,” said Matt Brooks.
I was very sad and terrified. I thought our business was over from the looks of it,
— Matt Brooks
Along with the GoFundMe page, The Tyrone Improvement Group scheduled a fundraiser dance to get the community involved in helping support the Timbernation business and family.
“A lot of the community reached out and prayed for our business and family. It was something that lifted me up and made me want to rebuild the shop,” said Kara Brooks.
With much help and support from the community, Brooks and Family Timbernation now see a future for their business.
The business specializes in custom high-end audio stereo racks and platforms but also does custom wood furniture, signs, kitchen countertops, and islands, as well as other quality wood products.
“Well, we should be up and running operations very soon. There is still a lot of tidying up to do but once we get machines wired up and make sure they work we can get back to work,” said Matt Brooks.
Timbernation has since found another location to continue growing its business.
The grand opening of Timbernation’s new storefront at 28 West 10th Street in downtown Tyrone on April 8th will feature new products, apparel, and Easter holiday activities.
“[The community] has been very strong and supportive. The fire has thrown my family’s routine in a complete 180. They have been with me step by step the entire way,” said Brooks.
This is MacKenzie! She is a Senior at Tyrone High School and this is her fourth year in Eagle Eye. After graduating, she plans to attend Penn State to...
