PINEVILLE, N.C. — A lightning strike sparked a fire that killed 20-year-old volunteer firefighter Richard Sheltra Saturday night.
WBTV.com reported that officials confirmed there was no 911 call for the fire at the golf store and only a call for service to police. The fire was reported after 9 p.m. Assistant Fire Marshall Mike Petleski said Sheltra died as a result of smoke inhalation.
Sheltra made a mayday call while fighting the blaze, which came within 30 minutes of arriving at the scene. In radio audio, you can hear firefighters say Sheltra got lost in the building. He was found in distress before he was brought out. He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Sheltra worked for the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department for three years. He was named Rookie of the Year in January and was also recognized for being the member of the department who received the most hours of training last year.
“This is a very sad day for our department, in particular the Pineville community, as we mourn the passing of a friend, a bother and a dedicated volunteer,” Chief Michael Gerin said.
#BREAKING: Pineville firefighter killed in line of duty identified as Richard Sheltra. He’s on right in this photo pic.twitter.com/gOWDW7xLHF
— WSOCTV (@wsoctv) May 1, 2016
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Sheltra’s family.
Fire departments from around the county are working shifts for grieving Pineville firefighters.