Man Burned After Pouring Gasoline into Carburetor, Officials Say

One man was airlifted after receiving serious burns during a Monday morning motor home fire, according to fire officials.

A man tried to pour gasoline into the carburetor of his stalled motor home at the intersection of Douglas Drive and North River Road, according to a release from Battalion Chief Peter Lawrence. The vapors ignited, burning the man and igniting the 24-foot motor home.

The fire department received a call for the fire at about 11:34 a.m. and found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames, according to the release. They battled exploding propane tanks and ammunition. The ammunition bounced off the front of arriving fire vehicles.

The vehicle had been packed with goods for a home move, according to Lawrence. The total cost of the loss was estimated at $15,000 including the vehicle and the items inside.

Crews had the fire under control within 30 minutes, according to Lawrence.

The victim, who was not named, was transported by air to burn unit at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego.

No other injuries were reported.

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