Man Dies From Burns Suffered In New Sharon Fire–STORY UPDATED

UPDATED 4PM-State Fire Marshals say the fire that killed a New Sharon man inside his car Tuesday night was likely started when fumes from an aerosol can were ignited by a cigarette.

According to Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland, investigators say it was apparent that Casey Turner, 34,  was inhaling the fumes, known as “huffing”.

Turner also was a smoker, McCausland said. Investigators found several empty aerosol cans inside the car. According to McCausland, the can believed to have started the fire was “Dust Off”, which contained compressed gas used to blow dust and lint from electronic components.  There was no damage to the car at Turner’s home at 86 Mercer Road.  The State Medical Examiner’s Office continues to work on determining the cause of Turner’s death, which is the fourth fire related death of the year.

According to McCausland, Turner, 34, suffered severe burns to his face and hands .

McCausland said Turner sustained the injuries inside his car, which was parked in his driveway.  He then walked to a neighbor’s house to call for help.

McCausland said Turner was transported by ambulance to MaineGeneral in Augusta  and then transferred to Maine Medical Center where he died. Franklin County Deputies responded to the house after the 911 call came in just before 9 pm. Fire Investigators are now attempting to determine how the fire started, according to McCausland.