Man burned after camper-trailer catches fire in Athens, chief says

ATHENS — A man received burns to his arms Tuesday evening after the camper-trailer that he was living in caught fire, officials said.

Fire Chief Brett Strout said Wednesday morning that crews responded to the report of flames around 8 p.m. Tuesday at 431 Harmony Road.

“It was nothing real serious,” Strout said. “The camper-trailer that the guy was living in caught fire and then the fire spread into the woods.”

He said that the resident of the camper, whom he would not identify, received burns to both of his arms but was not taken to the hospital. Strout said that he was not able to share any other details on the man’s condition or any temporary living assistance, other than “he is going to be fine where he is.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Strout added, though it appears to be accidental and not suspicious. The structure was destroyed and was flattened by the time crews arrived, he said, while crews put out flames in the nearby woods.

Other responding agencies include Madison, Cornville and Harmony fire departments.