WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- A Charles County man suffered serious burn injuries after his clothes caught on fire while he was receiving medical oxygen therapy and smoking, officials said.
The incident happened at 7975 Oakwood Lane in Pomfret, Md. Monday night, when Leonard Painter, 64, was receiving his medical oxygen therapy while he was smoking and the oxygen enriched atmosphere ignited flames, deputy state fire marshals said. The victim's clothing then caught fire, according to officials. His wife and Charles County deputies helped him exit the home.
Painter was transported to Medstar Washington Hospital and is in critical condition, officials said. The man's wife, Carla Painter, was taken to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation injuries.
Close to 50 firefighters responded to the one alarm fire. The fire was contained to the room of origin within five minutes, officials said. The damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $80,000.
