Johnston County home destroyed in fire, neighbor's quick action saves a life

A fire ripped through a Johnston County home Friday night, leaving a woman and her pets displaced and the house in ruins.

But amidst the tragedy, a 15-year-old emerged as a hero, risking her own safety to rescue the woman.

"I see her porch, there's a table of some sort, there's a small fire being lit, being spread up her walls and onto her roof," Emerson Hartley, the neighbor, said.

Emerson Hartley happened to be outside and saw small flames from the porch.

She not only called for help but risked her life to save her neighbor and animals.

"We kicked her screened-in porch in hopes of getting her dog out," Hartley said. "And her dog came running out. She had a small tabby cat and got her cat in the neighbor's house."

Reid Stephenson, CEO of Flowers Plantation, is helping the woman and others in a devastating time.

"Everyone assists in times of need, times of devastation, which is very rewarding to use as we develop Flowers Plantation," Stephenson said.

Flowers Plantation is providing a furnished apartment for the displaced neighbors to stay.

"We will get to know them certainly and provide them any clothing, provisions, anything we can once we find more details," Stephenson said.

The fire was first reported before 7 p.m.

The vinyl siding of the home next door started melting, however firefighters were able to keep it from spreading.

The cause is still under investigation.