Gas pump fire injures man in Brainerd

Monday, November 25, 2013

Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to determine how a man and his vehicle caught fire while pumping gas Monday afternoon at a Brainerd gas station.

The incident occurred just after 5 p.m. at the Murphy USA gas station on 310 Greenway View Drive. A 32-year-old man was pumping gas into his vehicle when a fire erupted, catching his pants on fire, as well as part of his automobile, according to Battalion Chief Charles Patton.

The fire was extinguished on the scene by good samaritans who grabbed portable fire extinguishers and put out the quick blaze. Patton said the fire was completely out when firefighters arrived on the scene.

Captain Anthony Moore said the victim has first- and second-degree burns, mostly to his legs. The victim was transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Medical Center for treatment. Moore said the man's injuries did not appear life-threatening, and how the fire actually started remains under investigation.