BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – One person was killed in a mobile home fire Friday, July 12, in Brunswick County, according to the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Crews responded around 2:30 a.m. to the fire in the 1100 block of Sea Breeze St., just north of Holden Beach.

Firefighters found the home engulfed in flames on arrival. The victim, who was pulled from the blaze but succumbed to their injuries on the scene, was the only person home at the time.

Billy Shoemaker lives next door and saw it all happen.

He says he was asleep on the couch when he heard a pop and then saw the flames. He went over to try and help get his neighbor out but said the flames were too high.

“I was asleep on the couch, and I heard a pop, next thing I know I looked up and just a ball of orange was all I could see. Just came running over…tried to do what I could but couldn’t do much,” Shoemaker said.

He says he has known the victim for 20 years and is shocked he is gone.

“Unbelievable. You never dream of something like this happening right next door, you know … someone you’ve known for all these years,” Shoemaker said.

“Firefighters from Civietown, Supply, and Shallotte Fire Departments as well as units from Brunswick County EMS, Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene to assist. Ocean Isle Beach Fire Department provided stand-by coverage while units were operating on the scene,” the announcement states.

The State Bureau of Investigation, Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office and N.C. Office of State Fire Marshal are investigating.

Neighbors say the homeowner had 3 cats. 2 of the 3 cats have been found.

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