Around 12:54 AM, the three occupants of the home, Stephen Fordyce, Corey Jenkins and Dylan Thomas, were returning from a movie when they discovered the fire inside and called 911.
The first fire crews to arrive on the scene found the home fully engulfed in flames. The Antioch, Bethany, and Thanksgiving Fire Departments had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. Fire crews and investigators remained on the scene until 4:00am. Investigators returned after daylight to continue their probe into the cause of the fire.
Paul Whitehurst, Assistant Director of Johnston County Emergency Services, told WTSB News Friday afternoon the fire was ruled accidental. Whitehurst said the fire appears to have originated in the living room, however the exact source has not been determined. The home was a total loss.
The residents are being aided by family members who live in the area. The home was owned by Greg Jenkins. Photos by John Payne
