Man Dies After Being Trapped By Brush Fire

SELMA, N.C. — A man died after becoming trapped in a rapidly spreading brush fire Friday afternoon in Johnston County.

Multiple Johnston County fire departments responded to the fire on Byrd Road, off Buffalo Road, along with the North Carolina Forest Service, which dispatched a helicopter to help battle the blaze.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, two men were burning brush in a wooded area when the fire spread out of control.

Investigators said one of the men left the area to go to a nearby home to retrieve tools in an attempt to contain the flames. During that time, the fire spread quickly and trapped the second man.

Firefighters later located the man dead at the scene while working to extinguish the fire.

Authorities said no foul play is suspected, and the death has been ruled accidental.

The victim’s name has not been released pending positive identification by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.