In a tragic incident, a fire captain from the Lexington Fire Department in North Carolina, Ronnie Metcalf, has passed away after sustaining severe burn wounds while responding to a house fire. The Lexington Fire Department announced the devastating news on Friday.

Ronnie Metcalf, a dedicated 19-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department and a member of Hillside Park Baptist Church, was pronounced dead at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem on Friday. Metcalf had courageously battled for his life since Tuesday, when he suffered burn wounds on 60% of his body while attending a house fire call.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning when the fire department received a call about a house fire. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire crews successfully evacuated the people inside the burning house to safety. However, during the rescue operation, it was reported that one firefighter was missing. With quick action, the teams reentered the home to locate and rescue Metcalf.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) promptly provided medical assistance to Metcalf at the scene. Due to the severity of his injuries, a helicopter was called in to airlift him to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health for further treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Metcalf's injuries proved fatal, leading to his untimely demise.

As the tragic news spread, the Lexington Fire Department and the local community mourned the loss of an esteemed colleague and devoted public servant. The cause of the fire that led to this heartbreaking incident is currently under investigation.

The sacrifice and dedication displayed by firefighters like Ronnie Metcalf serve as a reminder of the risks they face every day while protecting their communities. The Lexington Fire Department will honor Metcalf's memory and provide support to his family during this difficult time.

The loss of Ronnie Metcalf and his brave contributions will forever be remembered by the Lexington Fire Department and the community he served.