Emergency responders are dispatched to a structure fire on Saunders Boulevard in Aberdeen just after 11:15 a.m. Friday morning,
The first arriving fire unit reported flames and smoke showing from the roof of the structure.
Multiple fire departments from southern Moore County have been dispatched to this fire scene.
To make matters more challenging, at the same time the structure fire occurred, there was a water main break just down the street from the location of the fire, resulting in the firefighters not being able to use the nearest hydrant to access water.
Fortunately, there were more than enough engines and tankers on the scene to provide the water that was needed, as well as transport water to the scene.
Firefighters were able to gain a fast knockdown containing the fire primarily to the garage and attic of the single story home, which suffered smoke damage throughout the house.
According to officials, the first arriving Aberdeen Police officer along with a bystander that had pulled over had kicked open the door and made entry to make sure that no one was home. A dog that had been trapped inside was able to get out of the burning home because of their efforts.
The dog was not injured and is safe at a neighbors house.
We spoke with the bystander that assisted the Aberdeen police officer. James Gary Elam from Montgomery County said that he was driving by when he saw smoke and flames coming from this house and immediately pulled over.
When credited for his assistance, Mr Elam humbly stated that he hoped it was something that anyone would do. He thought about if it was his mother or someone in his family that he would want someone to stop.
Sergeant Covington with Aberdeen Police Department was equally as humble and did not want to be recognized for entering the burning home today, but we could not let his brave acts not be spoken for.
These two men risked their own lives to make sure another's life was not endanger. That is the ultimate definition of a hero in our book!
Saunders Boulevard was totally blocked to traffic for an extended time period as a result of this fire.
According to fire officials there was not anyone home when the fire started. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation as of this report.
Units responding today, including Aberdeen Fire & Rescue, Southern Pines Fire & Rescue, Pinebluff Fire and Rescue, Pinehurst Fire Department, Fort Liberty Fire and Emergency Services, Moore County EMS and the Aberdeen Police Department.
09/20/24
Billy Marts
Posted 11:35 a.m.
Updated 12:35 p.m.
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