NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A malfunctioning stove resulted in a man being hospitalized after collapsing and $5,000 worth of property damage, primarily to the wall and attic area of the appliance earlier today inside the mixed-use wood structure at 500 Pecan Ave., a New Smyrna Beach Fire Department official said.
The unidentified victim had gotten out of the house after trying to extinguish the flames, but then collapsed and stopped breathing said New Smyrna Beach Fire Division Chief Randy Wright.
The man regained consciousness through resuscitation efforts while being transported by EVAC ambulance to Bert Fish Medical Center where he was admitted following the 8:23 a.m. fire.
Coincidentally, Wright said, the victim is the grandfather of one of the fighters who responded and helped with reviving him. No names were released.
The fire was initialy called in by a person walking by and seeing smoke.
An off-duty firefighter leaving the nearby 7-Eleven convenience store noticed the smoke as well and also called 911. The calls were a minute apart.
"The off-duty firefighter relayed information to the dispatch center while attempting to find out if anyone was in the building," Wright said in his report. "The occupant exited the building after attempting to extinguish the fire with extinguisher. The fire originated in the living area by the kitchen. Upon arrival of the 1st due Engine Company, personnel met occupant outside the front door entrance where occupant advised them of his extinguishment efforts. First due engine found light smoke upon entry of the building. While talking to(fire and police) personnel (the) occupant collapsed and stopped breathing."
Firefighters began life support on the victim while others attacked the fire.
The state Fire Marshal ruled the fire accidental after fire investigators spoke with the victim who explained a camp stove was being used to heat up coffee. The burner on the stove malfunctioned and upon attempting to relight the stove the burner flashed. This caused ignition of flammable material on the wall behind the stove. The fire then extended into the attic area.