CLAYTON – A home at 3160 Powhatan Road was gutted by flames Monday afternoon.
According to witnesses, a State Trooper was driving past, saw the burning home and stopped. He kicked in the rear door to see if anyone was inside. The family was not at home but the trooper was able to rescue two dogs who could not escape. Fire crews rescued a third dog.
A Johnston County EMS ambulance responding to an unrelated call and other eyewitnesses also stopped, calling 911 and providing comfort to the dogs until their owners arrived.
Several fire departments responded to the house fire along with the Johnston County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Law enforcement officers shut down Powhatan Road from Novo Nordisk to Glen Laurel Road.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The State Highway Patrol identified the heroic officer as Trooper Herman Mungai. The trooper was traveling by and saw smoke coming from the home. A neighbor was in the yard dialing 911 on their phone reporting the fire.
Trooper Mungai ran to the rear of the home and kicked in the back door checking to see if anyone was inside. He rescued two pets before flames pushed him back. Firefighters rescued the third pet.
The Red Cross is assisting two adults and one child who were displaced.
Wow…my very first home. I brought that house in February 1996 and sold it 2008. Glad no one was hurt, but I’m sad to see it burn.