Man seriously burned in accident at Las Vegas home

One man was seriously burned Sunday at a central valley home after using gasoline to restart power equipment, according to the Las Vegas Fire Department.

The injured man, whose identity was not released, received first- and second-degree burns to 30 percent of his body, the Fire Department said.

The incident occurred about 5:40 p.m. at a home at 1520 San Pedro Ave., near Sahara Avenue and Maryland Parkway. The man was burned when he and another man were refueling a piece of power equipment in front of a natural gas water heater. The water heater was in a closet about 4 feet from where they were working.

Fire investigators suspect that while the men were refueling, fumes from the gasoline were ignited by the pilot light of the water heater, which sparked a fast and intense flash fire.

The injured man suffered burns to his arms and one leg. The second man had a minor burn to his arms.

The accidental fire caused $5,000 in damage.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.