MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Tonight at 6:45 p.m., the Marion Fire Department responded to a fire in the 300 block of Waterloo Street. Callers reported a backyard fire that had gotten out of control and a female with burn injuries.
Upon arrival, firefighters found multiple areas of fire in the backyard, with neighbors attempting to control the blaze using extinguishers. A woman was discovered on the scene with serious burn injuries.
Ladder 24 initiated fire control measures with a hose line, while Medic 29 and Engine 21 tended to the victim. The fire was quickly brought under control. An investigation revealed that the victim had been burning trash using an accelerant, which caused the fire to rapidly grow.
MedFlight was requested for expedited transport to a burn facility. Marion Fire Department paramedics treated the patient for third-degree burns to the posterior half of her body. She was transported to a Columbus-area hospital via helicopter in stable but serious condition.
As the weather begins to warm, the Marion Fire Department reminds citizens that small fires can rapidly become extremely dangerous when accelerants such as gasoline or diesel fuel are used. Fires should be kept small, no larger than 3x3x3 feet, and at least 20 feet from all structures. Only clean, dry firewood is approved for burning, and a garden hose should be present as a precaution. It is also important to monitor weather conditions, especially wind, and be aware of burn bans.