A former Limestone County businessman rescued Sept. 20 from his burning home west of Athens remains in critical condition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Burn Center.

Doctors believe the victim, Ricky Carter, 54, suffered a heart attack sometime during or after the fire, relatives said Thursday.

The state fire marshal has determined that a stove had been left on in the kitchen and that a pot was on the stove.

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

His nephew, Dustin Carter, told Limestone County investigators he was driving by his uncle’s house and noticed heavy smoke coming from the brick home. The nephew ran to the door but couldn’t get his uncle to answer, so he called 911.

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

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

Authorities said Carter was apparently asleep in bed when the fire broke out at his home on Alabama 99 at Sudbury Lane.

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