Caledonia Fire Chief Anthony DeMarco, Jr. sustained serious burns to his face, arms and legs while conducting a controlled burn in Caledonia on July 4, 2008.

   The fumes from the excelerant ignited and flashed the flames back at DeMarco. Fortunately, his son was at the scene assisting his father at the time and called 911 for an ambulance. Barry Ganzhorn, a nearby neighbor, heard the call come across the radio and responded to help.

   Caledonia Ambulance transported DeMarco to Strong Hospital where he is a patient in the ICU in the burn unit. He suffered first, second and third degree burns to his left and right arms and hands, his right leg and ankle and his face.

   His wife, Kathy, told the website that he is able to eat, drink and with assistance walk. The message she wants others to hear is that fire is very unpredictable and dangerous and even a highly trained and experienced firefighter like her husband, is not enough insurance against its dangers. "Fire has a mind of its own," she said.

Caledonia Fire Chief Anthony DeMarco in foreground