Lexington Fire Department: Firefighter injured in fire that destroyed home

The Lexington Fire Department responded to a fire at 309 W. 5th Street on the morning of Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 2:00 a.m.

 Upon arrival, fire and smoke were observed coming from the rear of the house. LFD initiated an interior fire attack to extinguish the fire. A few minutes later, an order to evacuate the structure was issued. 

The crews evacuated the structure and reported one firefighter missing. Search teams reentered the structure, located and extricated the missing firefighter, who was identified as Captain Ronnie Metcalf.

Captain Metcalf was treated by Davidson County Emergency Medical Services at the scene for burn injuries and then transported by helicopter to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. 

 He is is reported to be in stable condition, but with life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the fire is currently still under investigation.

Lexington Fire Department was assisted by Lexington Police Department, Davidson County EMS, Davidson County Fire Marshal’s Office, West Lexington Fire Department, Triangle Fire Department, Central Volunteer Fire Department, Linwood Fire Department, and NC Office of the State Fire Marshal.

{Photo By: Elisabeth Strillacci}