A Lincolnton pastor who uses a wheelchair is recovering after being rescued from a house fire that filled his bedroom with smoke late Wednesday night. Brian Brooks said he believes he survived because of the quick actions of his brother and firefighters who reached him just in time.
Fire
The fire happened at a home on Flint Street in Lincolnton on Wednesday night.
According to firefighters, the fire started in a bathroom located below Brian Brooks’ bedroom. While the flames remained relatively small, thick smoke quickly spread through the house and entered his room through a ventilation system.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Flint Street, Lincolnton |
| Time | Wednesday night |
| Person Rescued | Brian Brooks |
| Cause Area | Bathroom below bedroom |
| Main Hazard | Heavy smoke |
Resident
Brian Brooks, a local pastor, has used a wheelchair since he was paralyzed in a car crash 25 years ago.
Because he was unable to move on his own, he remained in bed as smoke entered his room. Brooks said he heard his mother calling for help outside the home as the situation became more dangerous.
He also called 911 and later contacted his brother when the smoke inside the house became heavier.
Rescue
Brian Brooks’ brother, Blair Brooks, was already on his way to the house after learning about the emergency.
When he arrived, he immediately helped Brian into his wheelchair despite the worsening smoke conditions. Blair Brooks said visibility inside the home had become extremely limited.
Shortly afterward, Lincolnton firefighters reached the scene and entered the smoke-filled home to assist with the rescue.
Response
Firefighters said heavy smoke had filled the bedroom where Brian Brooks was located.
Lincolnton firefighter Lane Hunsucker said crews used their flashlights to guide them through the home while feeling their way toward the room because visibility was so poor.
Fire Chief Jason Ingle said the conditions inside the home were becoming increasingly dangerous and estimated that only a few more minutes remained before the situation could have become much worse.
Recovery
Brian Brooks said he is grateful to be alive and credits the efforts of his family and emergency responders for saving his life.
He described the rescue as a miracle and said he had feared he would not survive as the smoke continued to fill his room.
Officials have not released additional information about the cause of the fire or whether anyone else was injured. The incident remains a reminder of how quickly smoke from even a small fire can create life-threatening conditions inside a home.
FAQs
Where did the house fire happen?
The fire happened on Flint Street in Lincolnton.
Who was rescued from the fire?
Local pastor Brian Brooks was rescued.
Where did the fire start?
Firefighters said it started in a bathroom.
Who helped Brian Brooks escape?
His brother and Lincolnton firefighters.
Was anyone else reported injured?
Officials have not reported other injuries.
