Man Injured While Burning Leaves In Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The Woodstock Police Department is reminding its constituents of a few safety tips they should keep in mind if they plan to do any outdoor burning.

This latest push for safety stems from an accident that forced emergency responders to transport a resident to an area burn center.

Woodstock firefighters were dispatched Tuesday to a home off Woodglen Drive to a call of a man who was injured while burning leaves, city spokesperson Brittany Duncan said.

Duncan noted the man reportedly used gasoline to burn the leaves in his backyard when his clothing caught fire.

He suffered injures to 45 percent of his body, mostly his arms and torso, she added. He was transported to WellStar Cobb Hospital's Burn Unit for treatment.

Woodstock fire officials are reminding residents to follow these safety tips while conducting any burning:

• Do not use an accelerant to start the fire
• Do not burn within 50 feet of the woods or a structure
• Keep burn piles small so that it can be extinguished if need be
• Do not leave a fire unattended
• Always keep a garden hose and shovel close by
• Put the fire completely out before dark

Additionally, Georgia Forestry should be contacted prior to burning any yard debris. The state agency issues burn permits daily only when it is safe to burn and a permit must be obtained prior to burning. Visit their website at www.gfc.state.ga.us for details.

An alternative to burning leaves may be to put them out with trash and Waste Management will pick them up as part of residential trash service, the city added.

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