Suffolk resident seriously injured in home accident – The Suffolk News-Herald

Suffolk Fire and Rescue announced that an adult male with severe burns was transported to Fire Station 8, 6235 Whaleyville Blvd., in a private vehicle on Wednesday, August 28.

SFR Engine 8 determined that the incident occurred in the 500 block of Freeman Mill Road. The Suffolk Fire Marshal's Office investigation determined that there was an attempt to “disassemble a pressurized container labeled 'Instant Tack Insulation Adhesive' using an abrasive tool.” This caused a spark which ignited and the residual material/vapor in the container ignited a flash flame which injured the individual. Both Engine 8 and Medic 8 were on the station when the individual arrived where they immediately assessed the patient and treated them with advanced life support treatment. The patient was flown by Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance to a local hospital where his condition was assessed as “serious but not life threatening.”

SFR further states that the container was marked with a sign reading “DOT Flammable Gas 2.” The investigation also found that there was no fire or structural damage at the scene of the accident.

In a statement, Suffolk Fire Service Battalion Chief Chris Cornwell reminded residents of the dangers of assuming pressure vessels of any kind are emptied of fumes. “Never cut or weld on a pressure vessel as the remaining fumes are considered extremely flammable.” Responding units included Engine 8 and 1, Battalion 1, Medic 8, EMS 1, Logistics 2, Fire Marshal 1, 2 and 7 and Nightingale Air Ambulance.