Anchorage

Man critically burned in South Anchorage vehicle fire

An Anchorage man was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening burns after he was hurt trying to put out a vehicle fire in South Anchorage, the Anchorage Fire Department said Sunday.

Firefighters were called to 501 E. 100th Ave. in South Anchorage early Sunday afternoon for a report of a vehicle fire, said AFD Capt. Richard Minkler.

The owner of the van had apparently tried to use a fire extinguisher on the burning van but had sustained severe burns to the face, neck and upper body, Minkler said.

The man, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

Minkler said the cause of the vehicle fire was under investigation.

Michelle Theriault Boots

Michelle Theriault Boots is a longtime reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. She focuses on in-depth stories about the intersection of public policy and Alaskans' lives. Before joining the ADN in 2012, she worked at daily newspapers up and down the West Coast and earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.

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