July 5th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

Deputy State Fire Marshals, Maryland State Police and Department of Natural Resources investigated an incident involving a 9 year-old male with 50% burn injuries to his upper torso, neck and arms. The incident occurred at the Savage River State Forest in Swanton, Garrett County at approximately 10:00 a.m. this morning. The child was transported by Maryland State
Police helicopter to The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in critical condition. Investigators determined the boy went outside of the tent where his mother was and ignited a sparkler causing his shirt to accidentally catch on fire. “Hand held sparklers burn at 1,200˚F and can quickly ignite combustibles such as clothing. The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to keep fireworks out of the reach of children to avoid turning a holiday into a potential tragedy”, stated State Fire Marshal Brain S.Geraci.