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ATHENS-Athens Fire and Rescue responded to a call today at 6:41 p.m. at Walmart that a man may have doused himself with fuel before setting himself on fire. Responders found the man outside on the north east side of Walmart.
Athens Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Toby Carter said when firefighters arrived, Athens police officers were using fire extinguishers they keep in their patrol cars to put the fire out. Responders carried the man to Athens-Limestone Hospital’s helipad to await medical transport by helicopter.
Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said bystanders told officers a man doused himself with gasoline, ran into Walmart, came back out into the parking lot and set himself on fire. No bystanders were inured. Four police officers used fire extinguishers from their vehicles to put out the fire. Responders have not confirmed the man’s name. The investigation is continuing.
Athens Fire and Athens Police do not yet have the man’s name or age.
