SILER CITY — It was an act of bravery by local firefighters and police officers who rescued a Siler City man from his burning home last weekend.
According to fire officials, at 1:32 a.m. Saturday, the Siler City, Staley and Bennett fire departments, along with Siler City police and an ambulance from FirstHealth of the Carolinas, were called to a house fire on North Dogwood Avenue. As they were being dispatched, emergency personnel were notified by Chatham County Communications that there were some occupants possibly still inside the residence.
Police officers arrived on the scene to find flames coming from the house. They confirmed that at least one person was still inside, fire officials said. When Siler City Fire Chief Scott Murphy arrived on the scene, he confirmed the police department’s report and requested a “working fire re-alert.” Murphy also advised Engine 912, with two firefighters aboard, to use a ladder at the bedroom window to attempt a rescue.
Siler City Police Officer Raymond Biehl made contact with the trapped occupant via a stepladder, but due to the high heat and smoke, he was unable to reach the victim. Firefighters then used a roof ladder positioned to the window and firefighter Aaron Dorsett entered the bedroom window. Dorsett located the victim, who was unconscious, on the bedroom floor and lifted the victim to firefighter Evan Shaw, who was on the ladder. The victim was pulled to safety by Shaw and Siler City Police Department officers. The patient was transferred to FirstHealth EMS and transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment.
As the victim was being rescued, other firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and completed a search of the rest of the residence, due to conflicting reports of other possible victims. No other victims were found.
The resident who was rescued was released from the hospital Sunday and is back with family. Biehl was also treated at UNC Hospitals and was back on duty Sunday.
Fire officials said the cause was accidental and it was determined combustibles were stored too close to a baseboard heater.
Murphy had high praise for all involved after the fire, saying in a social media post, “Awesome job to all for this outcome!”