Early Thursday in South Fairmount, a routine stop for gas turned into a life-or-death emergency when a man caught fire at the pump and a station attendant rushed in with a fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
The fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. at the BP station at Queen City Avenue and Harrison Avenue. Witnesses reported the man suddenly became engulfed in flames while pumping gas. Fire investigators were called to the scene, and the victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Attendant Douses Flames At The Pump
Investigators said an attendant working at the BP did not wait for crews to arrive before stepping in with an extinguisher to help put out the fire, according to WKRC. Photos and video published with that coverage show people using extinguishers at the pumps while first responders secure the area around the station.
Fire Crews, Investigators On Scene
The Cincinnati Fire Department confirmed that crews responded to a report of major burns around 6:30 a.m., FOX19 reported. Emergency radio traffic indicated the man was conscious and alert when firefighters arrived, though officials described his injuries as serious.
Fire investigators remained at the station after the victim was transported, working to determine exactly how the blaze started.
Why Pump Fires Happen
Flash fires at gas pumps are rare but can erupt when gasoline vapors meet an ignition source such as a static spark, a lit cigarette or a hot engine. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office urges drivers not to get back into their vehicles while fueling and to touch metal before handling the nozzle to discharge any static electricity, advice laid out in a public safety release reproduced by outlets such as the Maryland State Fire Marshal…