LOWELL, N.C. — Dwain Williamson said he and his girlfriend had no idea flames were spreading from the outside of his Lowell house while they sat inside Monday afternoon.
He showed reporter Ken Lemon his house Tuesday, including what's left of the back porch.
Williamson was grilling steaks on his back porch. When he finished, he left the grill open to allow the coals to cool.
The wind stoked the coals and the flames rekindled.
The couple heard a popping sound outside, but dismissed it.
The couple planned to take an afternoon nap after their meal, which would have placed them in bed just as the flames began to spread.
Instead, Williamson decided to investigate.
"Luckily I come back through there because I heard the popping and the next thing I know it ain't nothing but fire coming through the screen," he said.
He said the fire moved quickly through the old wooden home like flames burning paper.
"It was just like moving forward. I couldn't do anything," Williamson said.
The couple got out quickly and called for help. Williamson came back Tuesday morning to salvage what he could.
A few clothes are all that's left. He doesn't have insurance, but he said he is happy to be alive.
"Thank the Lord I was up," Williamson said.
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