A former Athens businessman who was burned in a house fire and who has been hospitalized for more than a month has returned home.

Ricky Carter, 54, was released from the intensive care unit at University of Alabama Hospital at Birmingham. Relatives said he is now resting at the home of his mother, Helen Carter.

Carter’s home caught fire Sept. 22. He was inside and had to be rescued by firefighters.

Authorities said he was apparently asleep in bed when the fire broke out. He was airlifted to the hospital by MedFlight helicopter after he was pulled from his burning home on Alabama 99 at Sudbury Lane, near Jeff’s Mini Mart.

Carter was hospitalized in critical condition because his lungs were burned, relatives said.

Doctors believe Carter suffered a heart attack sometime during or after the fire, relatives said. The state fire marshal determined that a pot left on the stove ignited the blaze.

Friends are planning a fund-raiser for Carter because he has no insurance, said Sheree Elmore, who is directing plans for the Nov. 11 event at the Owens Community Center.

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

The Nov. 11 fund-raiser, which will begin at 7 a.m., will include a bake sale, chicken stew, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and live entertainment.

Several bands will begin playing at noon and continue playing throughout the day. At 5 p.m., there will be a live auction.

Anyone with items to donate for the auction or baked goods for the bake sale may call (256) 229-5716. Items may also be brought to the Owens Community Center.

An account has been set up in Carter’s name at First American Bank.