Dec. 19--A volunteer firefighter is in critical condition after suffering a severe burn Tuesday afternoon.
Sandy Bottom Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Timmy Mooring was burning leaves at a hunting camp when the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m.
He was transported to the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill for treatment. As of Wednesday morning, he was in the intensive care unit at the center in critical condition.
Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Roger Dail said Mooring has been with the department for several years.
"Something flashed back up on him; it might've been gas, but I'm not sure," Dail said. "The burns were mostly to his upper body, his face and head."
Dail is in Chicago for a training session and was trying to get additional information about the incident himself.
"This is really tough for him and his family, especially right here at Christmas," Dail said. "I'm very worried about him. My prayers and thoughts are for him and his family."
Sandy Bottom Fire Chief James Goff Jr. said other firefighters in the department are handling the incident as well as can be expected.
"Right now, considering the conditions and stuff, I think that they're doing pretty good," Goff said. "I actually had a chance to speak with a few of them very briefly (Tuesday) because I did go up to the burn center, to Chapel Hill, to meet with the family -- I hadn't had a chance to speak with any of them today."
Goff said according to the best information he had, the accident occurred between a mile and a mile and a half away from the fire station.
"He was able to actually drive himself there and to call in and get some assistance to help him," Goff said.
Scanner reports Tuesday afternoon indicate Mooring immediately asked for air transport to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, in consideration of his injuries.
Reportedly, in August 2008 Mooring suffered burns on 50 percent of his body in an accident at his home. Efforts were made to raise money for his treatment then, and Goff said there will be a determination at the Sandy Bottom Volunteer Firefighter Board of Directors meeting as to what extent the department can help.
Bryan C. Hanks can be reached at 252-559-1074 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BCHanks. Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
Copyright 2013 - The Free Press, Kinston, N.C.
