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Suffolk Fire and Rescue announced that an adult male suffering from severe burns was transported in a personal vehicle to Fire Station 8, located at 6235 Whaleyville Blvd. on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

SFR Engine 8 determined that the incident occurred in the 500 block of Freeman Mill Rd with the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determining there was an attempt to “dismantle a pressurized container labeled ‘Instant Tack Insulation Adhesive’ using a grinder tool.” This caused a spark to ignite and caused the residual material/vapor in the container to ignite a flash fire, injuring the individual. Both Engine 8 and Medic 8 were in the station as the individual arrived where they immediately assessed and treated the patient with advanced life support care. The patient was airlifted by Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance to an area hospital where their condition is considered “serious, but non-life-threatening.”

SFR further says that the container was labeled with a “D.O.T. Flammable Gas 2” placard. The investigation further determined that no fire or structural damage occurred at the site of the incident. 

In a statement, Suffolk Fire Marshal Battalion Chief Chris Cornwell reminded residents of the dangers of assuming any type of pressurized container empty of all vapor and “never cut or weld on a pressurized vessel as the residual vapor should be 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.