Burning victim was not in wheelchair

Published 12:50 pm Thursday, December 17, 2009

MONROE — A 76-year-old man was not using a wheelchair when his clothes caught fire last week, Monroe Fire Department spokeswoman Richelle Risdon said today.

Royal Blair was working in his shop on Dec. 11 when he brushed up against a tank-top propane heater, Risdon said.

The heater’s protective covering had been removed and Blair’s clothes caught fire, Risdon said.

Family members extinguished the flames, but Blair suffered burns on 40 percent of his body, Risdon said. He died after being transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The fire department originally said Blair backed his wheelchair into the heater. Interviews with family members dispelled that idea, Risdon said.

Blair’s family wants homeowners to know accidents like this can be prevented, Risdon said.

Homeowners need to be cautious when using home heating devices — propane heaters, space heaters, fireplaces and more, she said.

Manufacturer’s warnings must be followed, and the devices should not be tampered with or left unattended, Risdon said.