NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A man installing insulation in an attic that caught fire suffered serious burns this afternoon and had to be airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, an official with the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department said.
The victim suffered burns over at least 30 percent of his body and was in critical condition in the hospital's burn unit after the Volusia Sheriff's helicopter flight from the scene at 699 Fairway Drive, said Randy Wright, fire department division chief. Wright did not have the victim's name, but said he was approximately 40 years old.
"He was conscious the whole time, but he has a long road ahead of him," in terms of recovery, Wright said, depending on the extent of injuries to his lungs from the smoke.
Here is a synopsis from Wright of what happened: An insulation contractor was installing spray foam insulation in the attic area above second floor of the wood-framed home under remodeling construction when it caught fire. The worker dove through second floor ceiling in an attempt to escape flames. The homeowner, Molly Wilson, heard the worker yelling in response to the fire and dialed 9-1-1.
The call was dispatched at 2:04 p.m. with three New Smyrna Beach fire trucks responding and one from Volusia County.
One of 14 firefighters was treated at the scene for a minor injury, but did not require further care
Firefighters had to pull out the ceiling to get at hot spots that kept flaring up in the attic, Wright said, adding the fire was brough under control at 3:25 p.m. Due to extensive smoke and water damage, Wright said the house sustained $50,000 in damages.
The fire is belived to be accidental, possibly caused by vapors during the insulation installation, Wright said, but it is under investigation by the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office.