By Tyler Stocks
Dunn Daily Record
ANGIER – A fire believed to have started from a kerosene heater claimed the life of an elderly man Wednesday after he became trapped in his Angier home.
Dispatchers initially reported someone was trapped inside the home in the 6800 block of N.C. Highway 55 when the fire broke out shortly before 5 p.m.
When firefighters arrived, they found 81-year-old Johnnie Lee Judd trapped inside the home.
Within minutes, crews began search and rescue operations and were able to pull Judd to safety where paramedics administered CPR and other life saving measures.
Judd was taken to Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington where he lated died from his injuries.
A woman who was inside the home managed to get out safely before crews arrived and she was evaluated at the scene by first responders.
The house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene.
Two people and three dogs were displaced. The dogs were found unharmed.
Firefighters from multiple agencies responded.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the Red Cross was called to assist the family.
