SANFORD, Maine (AP) - A 2-week-old baby boy suffered serious burns at a backyard fire pit in Maine when his father’s coat caught on fire while holding the child, police said.
Investigators said 43-year-old Dirk Jelsing’s coat ignited from sparks while he was holding the newborn, Cullum, and a 2-year-old son on Wednesday night in Sanford.
Cullum suffered second- and third-degree burns and was taken to Goodall Hospital in Sanford before being transferred to Shriner’s Hospital in Boston. Dirk Jelsing and the 2-year-old suffered minor burns.
Investigators said Dirk Jelsing had been drinking, but it was unclear if that played a role in the accident. Fire marshals were investigating Thursday and will consult with the York County District Attorney’s office when their investigation is over, police said.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services placed the other boy with relatives, police said.
A phone listing for Jelsing was disconnected. A call to Shriner’s Hospital was not returned.
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