SUSAN NICOL KYLE
Firehouse.Com News 3-6-06
A volunteer firefighter in North Carolina collapsed at his home Sunday evening shortly after returning from a brush fire.

Lt. Wayne E. Yarborough, 59, had assisted the Waynesville Fire Department with a minor brush fire about an hour before he collapsed after an apparent heart attack, said Archie Shuler, an investigator with the fire company.

"He was involved with extinguishing the fire and helped package hose," Shuler said. "He was getting ready for church when he collapsed."

The volunteer lieutenant, who had been involved in the town's fire service for 38 years, would have celebrated his 60th birthday on Tuesday.

"He was a great guy. You couldn't ask for anyone better...We're all in shock. You just never expect something like this."

Yarborough is survived by his wife and two children.

Shuler said funeral arrangements have not been made.

The flag at the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial in Emmitsburg will be moved to half staff in his honor.

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