RUFFIN, N.C. -- A 22-month-old child is lucky to be alive after a fire broke out at his home in Rockingham County Thursday night.

The Ruffin Fire Department responded to the fully-involved structure fire at 805 Quick Road shortly before 7 p.m. 

Rockinham County Fire Marshall, Robert Cardwell, says the toddler was rescued by his father. Once the resident realized there was a fire inside his home, he grabbed the child, and drove about a mile down the road to the Ruffin Fire Department. They were later airlifted to UNC-Chapel Hill.

"He opened the bathroom door and was met with black smoke so, at that point of time, he grabbed his 22 month old and ran out the door," says Cardwell. "He exited the building as quick as possible and that's one of the things we've always taught in fire prevention and fire education is, don't stay and try to fight it, get out as quick as you can."

"I pray that him and the child will be okay and he will probably rebuild," says neighbor, Judy Scott.

The child suffered moderate burns, but is expected to be okay. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.