Maine Dem Rep. Suffers Serious Burns From Starting Brush Fire At His Farm

WINTHROP, ME - JUNE 30: Maine legislator, farmer and fierce advocate for Maine's sustainability movement, Craig Hickman waves to a neighbor while picking garlic scapes on his Annabessacook Farm in Winthrop. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer)
WINTHROP, ME - JUNE 30: Maine legislator, farmer and fierce advocate for Maine's sustainability movement, Craig Hickman waves to a neighbor while picking garlic scapes on his Annabessacook Farm in Winthrop. (Photo by... WINTHROP, ME - JUNE 30: Maine legislator, farmer and fierce advocate for Maine's sustainability movement, Craig Hickman waves to a neighbor while picking garlic scapes on his Annabessacook Farm in Winthrop. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) MORE LESS

WINTHROP, Maine (AP) — Fire officials say a state lawmaker suffered serious burns while using gasoline to start a brush fire at his farm in Winthrop, Maine.

The state fire marshal’s office reports that Democratic Rep. Craig Hickman was taken to a Lewiston hospital before being airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was listed in fair condition Tuesday afternoon.

Officials say gasoline vapors ignited Tuesday morning while he was trying to burn brush on his 25-acre farm, where he operates Annabessacook Farm Bed & Breakfast.

Officials said he suffered burns on his legs and chest.

Investigators said someone initially tried to drive Hickman to an Augusta hospital before stopping at a fire station. Gov. Paul LePage tweeted that he and his wife, Ann, are wishing Hickman a “speedy recovery.”

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  1. sigh
    I really hope he heals fully and quickly. But DO NOT START FIRES WITH GASOLINE. My god people.

  2. “Gasoline vapors.” “Trying to burn brush.” Sounds dumb enough to be a Republican.

  3. The difference is that a republican will dump gas right from the can onto the still smoldering brush pile if it appears that the fire has gone out.

    I have a weed burner that I use to start my burn pile. It’s pretty slick.

  4. Stupidity is an equal opportunity employer.

    Godspeed to this guy.

  5. There is always some topic where you do not know any better. Everyone has their lapses of judgement. Some more often than others.

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