Lexington Fire Department Captain Ronnie Metcalf died Friday from severe burn injuries sustained while responding to a house fire early Tuesday morning.
The fire department received a distress call reporting a house fire at 306 W. 5th Street at 12:02 a.m. on March 26. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered flames and thick smoke engulfing the rear of the residence, the department reported.
Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack. However, moments later an urgent order to evacuate the structure was issued. During the evacuation, it was discovered that one firefighter was missing.
Search and rescue teams promptly reentered the fire to locate and extract Captain Metcalf. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) administered on-site treatment before airlifting him to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital for treatment of burn injuries. The department reported his death on Facebook.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Metcalf was a 19-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department. He was also a husband and father and was active in his church.
