BURKE COUNTY, N.C. – A man in Burke County is recovering in the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a devastating fire that engulfed his home near Glen Alpine. Witnesses recounted hearing multiple explosions and witnessing the man ablaze in his yard.
The incident took place on Lytle Drive near the town of Glen Alpine. Authorities informed reporters that the fire originated at the rear of the residence when the homeowner was attempting to fill a gas can.
Neighbors lauded a grandfather as a hero for bravely intervening and successfully extinguishing the flames, which threatened to consume the man. Johnnie Rutherford recounted the harrowing moment when he rushed to his neighbor, pushed him to the ground, and tore off his burning shirt.
Rutherford’s quick response was crucial in preventing further harm to the victim, who sustained severe burns to 35% of his body and was airlifted to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. The victim’s girlfriend expressed gratitude towards Rutherford for his courageous actions and detailed the devastation caused by the fire.
Witnesses shared video footage capturing the intense flames as they shot into the air, engulfing nearby trees. The tumultuous scene left many shaken, with one neighbor recalling feeling a strong rumble during the explosion.
The victim’s girlfriend expressed devastation over the loss of their home and possessions, noting that they now rely on the generosity of the community for support. Authorities are working to assist the family in their time of need. Despite being hailed as a hero, Rutherford remains humble, attributing his actions to a sense of duty to help others.
Multiple fire departments collaborated to contain the blaze, with the fire marshal’s office determining the incident as accidental. The community has rallied around the affected family, offering donations and support in the wake of the tragic event.