A former Limestone County businessman rescued Friday afternoon from his burning home just west of Athens is listed in serious condition at University of Alabama at Birmingham Burn Center.

Ricky Carter, 54, was airlifted to the hospital by Medflight helicopter after he was pulled from his burning home on Alabama 99 near Jeff’s Mini Mart.

Carter’s nephew, Dustin Carter, told Limestone County investigators he was driving by his uncle’s house and noticed heavy smoke coming from the brick home.

“He said he jumped out and ran to the door, but couldn’t get his uncle to answer,” said Limestone County Chief Investigator Capt. Stanley McNatt. “So, he then dialed 911 for assistance.”

Firefighters from Owens and Piney Chapel responded. Carter was apparently pulled from the burning home by three firefighters — Justin Smith and Glenn Pylant from Piney Chapel and Gary Lovell from Owens — who got inside by kicking in the front door.

“The burns on his body do not appear to be all that severe, but he is burned in his airway (lungs),” said Athens-Limestone Ambulance Service Director Mike West. “His condition is serious.”

Carter formerly owned and operated West End Market off U.S. 72 West in Athens and is a painter and was formerly employed at Redstone Arsenal, family members said.

Authorities said he was apparently asleep in bed when the fire broke out.

The cause of the fire was being investigated Friday by county authorities and the state fire marshal. Firefighters said the fire marshal determined late Friday that the stove inside the house had been left. They said a pot was on the stove.

The home was heavily damaged by fire and smoke, especially in the kitchen area, firefighters said.

Carter’s home is located on Alabama 99 at Sudbury Lane. That portion of Alabama 99 was closed Thursday while the state replaces Round Island Creek Bridge. Emergency crews, including an ambulance from Athens-Limestone Hospital, had to take the detour on New Cut Road to get to the scene. The fire was reported at about 2 p.m.