N.C. Officers Rescue Boy From Burning House

Oct. 29, 2013
Two Burlington police officers helped rescue a young boy from a burning home Sunday morning.

Two Burlington police officers -- and a retired firefighter who was close by -- helped rescue a young boy from a burning home Sunday morning.

Assistant Police Chief Chris Verdeck said Officer Lee Brown and Pfc. Daniel Madison were on patrol when they noticed smoke in the vicinity of Harris Teeter. Upon investigating, they realized that a home at 2733 Dee St. was on fire and saw a young girl coming out. She told them that her mother and brother were still inside, and when the officers got to the door, the girl's mother, Linda Barrow, informed them that her son was still in the home.

The two officers, along with George Williard, a retired captain at the Greensboro Fire Department, entered the house on their hands and knees to avoid dense smoke, and were able to retrieve the boy, Verdeck said.

Burlington Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Willets said firefighters were dispatched at 9:12 a.m., and reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the residence. Upon arrival, all occupants had evacuated the home.

Investigators determined the fire was caused by a charcoal grill behind the residence that was ignited too close to combustibles. Willets said the fire moved up the exterior of the house and into the attic area, where it spread.

Total smoke and water damage to the home's structure and contents is estimated to exceed $200,000, and it will require extensive repair to be reoccupied. Willets said the home was insured, and the American Red Cross responded to the incident to provide assistance to the residents.

A total of 17 fire personnel responded to the scene in addition to Burlington police, Alamance County EMS, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.

Copyright 2013 - Times-News, Burlington, N.C.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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