Solvay, N.Y. — A man badly burned by a fire he started in a burn barrel at his Solvay home has died.
Joseph Pfohl, 67, was burned Saturday afternoon in his backyard at 611 Montrose Ave., according to Solvay Police Chief Derek Osbeck. The man was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he later died.
Pfohl’s neighbors, Sarah Pigula and Steve Bohemier Jr., were watching TV when they heard a loud boom that afternoon.
Bohemier said he looked out the window and saw Pfohl with his arm on fire. He said the flames were three feet high.
Bohemier ran out in his bare feet to try to help.
“He was sitting on his porch on fire,” Bohemier said.
Bohemier said he managed to get the fire out by patting Pfohl with a quilt and pouring water on him. By the time the flames were out Bohemier said Pfohl was badly burned.
Pigula held the couple’s 3-week-old baby in her arms and talked with police on the phone to get help.
Pigula and Bohemier both praised first responders and dispatchers for their quick response.
“The 911 guy was great,” Pigula said. “They got here so fast.”
The incident is an ongoing investigation, Osbeck said.
Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961 or rkirk@syracuse.com.