JACKSON – A man was left with severe burns as a result of a structure fire that ignited in the early hours of Saturday morning, police said.
Around 1 a.m., both police and fire units responded to Dahlia Court in the 60 Acres condominium complex. Police said officers encountered a man outside the home who had sustained severe burns to his upper body. Jackson First Aid quickly rendered aid to the victim.
The victim was able to alert officers that the fire was in the upstairs bathroom and that there was nobody else inside the home.
Heavy smoke was found coming from the second floor and subsequently, authorities evacuated residents of the adjoining units.
First responders from Jackson Mills Station 54, Jackson Station 55, and Southard Fire Company in Howell arrived and extinguished the fire. The blaze was contained to the upstairs bathroom and master bedroom and does not appear to have damaged any of the adjoining units, police said.
According to fire inspectors, the fire appeared to have been accidental and does not seem to be suspicious in nature. The exact cause is still unknown and under investigation.
The victim was initially brought to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, but was later transported to the Cooperman St. Barnabas Burn Unit in Livingston for further treatment. He is listed in critical, but stable condition, police said.
