Conroe, Tx June 16th, 2009
Three Montgomery County residents were seriously injured since this past weekend by outdoor fires. In the first incident Friday night, a 56 yr old New Caney resident received 1st and 2nd degree burns on her legs and feet when paint cans exploded in a pile of brush she was burning. The victim was burning the brush at her home in the Silver Trails subdivision, and apparently did not realize that the paint cans were in the pile of debris.
The second incident occurred Sunday evening, June 14th, in the Timberland Subdivision off FM 1314, near Porter. A 14 yr old female resident poured gasoline on a stump and was severely burned when she ignited the fire. Witnesses reported she was engulfed in flames and she received 1st and 2nd degree burns to her face, head and arms. Both victims were transported by PHI Air Medical to Hermann Burn Center in Houston. Although both suffered serious injuries, they are expected to survive.
The third injury occurred last evening in the Grangerland area. An 8 yr old boy was outside with a grandparent who was burning. The victim apparently wandered too close and received 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to both feet. He was initially transported by EMS to a local Hospital, then transferred to a burn center.
With already dry conditions worsening day by day, Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams recommended yesterday, that Commissioner’s Court approve an order restricting the sale and use of certain aerial fireworks known for their increased risk of starting fires. In the coming days and weeks, conditions may require that an Outdoor Burning Ban be enacted as well.
Due to the current conditions, residents should not attempt any outdoor burning. Outdoor burning is a major cause of wildfires and injuries to both citizens and firefighters. Additionally, garbage burning in subdivisions or on less than 5 acres is illegal in Montgomery County year round under State Law. For more information contact this office or go to our MCFMO website
http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/fire/index.shtml
