Teenager Burned in Troy Gasoline Fire

A teenager was taken to the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center following an accident in Troy on Monday afternoon.

Troy fire investigators said Tuesday that three unidentified men, ages 17, 18, and 19, were burning weeds and brush from a dirt bike trail at 311 Aspinwall using gasoline when it ignited, at about 4:15 p.m.

The incident caused serious burns to one of the men, who was taken to Troy Beaumont prior to the arrival of emergency medical services and Troy Fire Department investigators before being transported to Ann Arbor for further treatment. His condition is unknown.

TFD offers the following tips, in a press release issued Tuesday by Assistant Chief David Roberts:

• Never use gasoline to start a fire. Gasoline fumes are heavier than air and will travel along the ground until reaching a source of ignition, in this case the open flame, and then ignite explosively causing severe injury. 
• Fire is not allowed to be used to incinerate vegetation, trash or debris of any kind.
• If for any reason one’s clothes are on fire, remember: Do Not Run. Stop, Drop, and Roll to smother the flames. Call 9-1-1 immediately.