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Police: Perry man drops match onto spilled gas, burns down RV



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HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Warner Robins police report a local citizen was preparing to mow his lawn recently when he spilled a gas can, dropped a lit match, and burned down his RV.

An incident report states it happened Tuesday at a home in the 200 block of Perry around 11:30 a.m.

Police said the camper, a 2004 Prowler Travel Trailer, was ablaze by the time officers responded. The owner said he accidentally dropped the gas can, then proceeded to light a cigarette with a match.

The report states that the owner told police he then dropped the match onto the spilled gas, "without thinking," and his RV went up in flames. He said it was an accident, was not trying to start a fire, and that he is a "chain smoker," police reported.

The man also contacted WGXA saying that the incident was an accident. He said he was lighting a cigarette when he slipped, knocked over the gas can and dropped the gas. He added he's had multiple back surgeries, which have limited his mobility.

Officers said no one was injured in the fire.

The US Fire Administration says smokers should always follow these safety tips:

  • Smoke outside
  • Put all cigarettes and matches out every time
  • Don't smoke around medical oxygen
  • Put your cigarettes and matches out in ashtrays or sand

Find more information on smoking and fire safety here.

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