Va. Firefighters Help With Burn Victim's Recovery

Danville firefighters worked together to raise money for Maurice Jones, a man who was severely burned by a gas grill last week.

Through the Danville Burn Fund, firefighters were able to present $500 to Jones' family.

Jones was using a gas grill as a charcoal grill June 29 when the fire erupted, according to fire officials. He was airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center with 40 percent of his body covered in serious burns. The fire also caused damage to his home.

While Jones has insurance, medical bills will still be very expensive and people from his church, his friends and family have been chipping in with transportation back and forth to Charlottesville.

"It's going to be a long road to recovery," said Renee Jones, Maurice Jones' sister. She said she greatly appreciates what the fire department has done and everyone's efforts to help out.

Danville firefighter Brad Harville presented the check Monday to Maurice Jones' wife Heather and their 10 month-old daughter Joyce. They hope to use the money to help with transportation costs. Jones' burns are so severe it will probably be several months before he is able to return home.

The Danville Burn Fund is a non-profit organization exclusively providing assistance to burn victims or those impacted by a fire disaster. Donations come from everywhere and people are allowed to donate to Maurice Jones directly if they would like.

Donations can be made at any Danville First Citizens Bank locations and can be mailed to P.O. Box 11361 Danville, VA 24543. For more information, call (434) 791-0026 for more information.

Copyright 2012 - Danville Register & Bee, Va.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service