A Whitefield firefighter makes his way to the front door of a home on Pamela Drive on Thursday evening where a smoldering fire claimed the life of forty eight year old Johnny Dale Martin. According to Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore, Martin’s girlfriend stopped at the house, found it filled with smoke and attempted to pull Martin to safety but was unable. Another person helped her get him out of the house. He was rushed to AnMed Health by Medshore Ambulance Service where he died, Shore said. Martin lived with his parents who were out of town at the time. The fire had apparently smoldered itself out according to Shore. The house had some fire damage and considerable smoke damage, officials said. Investigators believe the fire started in the kitchen but are still investigating. Whitefield and West Pelzer fire departments responded to the fire. (Photo by David Rogers)
