A London man was transported to hospital after starting a fire in wood burning stove went horribly awry.
London Firefighters and London-Middlesex EMS were called to the scene on Clemens Street in the area of Highbury Avenue and Oxford Street at around 1:30 p.m Tuesday.
Investigators say a resident was attempting to light a fire in a wood burning stove located inside a garage. To help start the fire, he sprayed gasoline onto the wood, then placed the container nearby. When the wood was lit, the gasoline vapours flashed, causing embers to land on the container, igniting it. The fire quickly spread, eventually burning through the roof of the garage, causing extensive damage.
Officials say the man was able to flee the garage, but received burns to his hand. Paramedics tended to the injuries on scene, he was then transported to hospital for further treatment.
Damage is estimated at $20,000.
There is no word on whether any charges will be laid.
This is the time of year when homeowners start using wood burning stoves and fireplaces. The London Fire Department is warning residents to not use accelerants of any type, and especially not gasoline, to start a fire in a wood burning stove or fireplace.
Source: Fire In Wood Burning Stove Causes Extensive Damage, Sends Man To Hospital | (CFPL AM) AM 980
