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Resident burned trying to put out house fire

Person inlside home also treated.

Middletown and Monroe fire departments responded to a structure fire around 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton and Lefferson roads in Middletown.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Middletown and Monroe fire departments responded to a structure fire around 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton and Lefferson roads in Middletown.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 10:10 PM Thursday, September 2, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — A resident suffered second-degree burns Wednesday Sept. 1, in a fire that destroyed his home on Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

Four Middletown fire crews and one from Monroe were dispatched around 7:10 p.m. to 2222 Cincinnati-Dayton Road on the report of a fire. Deputy Fire Chief Tom Snively said that upon arrival, fire crews found the small, one bedroom cottage engulfed.

It took 20 minutes for firefighters to knock down the blaze, but crews remained on scene until about 10 p.m. making sure the structure was secure.

The resident of the home, Gary Houser, 61, was transported to Atrium Medical Center with what Snively described as second-degree burns to his chest. He was no longer listed as a patient Thursday night, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Houser told firefighters he tried to put out the blaze himself before calling for help.

“The resident did try to put out the fire himself and that is something we strongly discourage and that is what led to his injuries,” Snively said. “We recommend people call 911 and get out.”

Firefighter Steve Riley suffered minor burns to his neck area as result of exposure to the fire. He was treated and released from the hospital, according to the fire department.

Fire officials said the fire originated in the bedroom, but the cause is still under investigation. Damage estimates are $40,000 — $35,000 for the home and $5,000 for the contents.

“It is basically a total loss,” Snively said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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