Man Burned When His Sheep Costume Catches Fire In Bar

[matcom]

<snip>


A Pulaski man suffered what were described as "severe burns" over about 80 percent of his body when his homemade sheep costume caught fire at a Suamico bar just after midnight on Sunday.

Deputies from the Brown County Sheriff's Department were called to Chambers Hill Bar, 12329 Velp Ave., around 12:09 a.m. on a report of a fire in the bar.

When officers arrived they found Justin DeStarkey, 21, had been burned when his sheep costume made of cotton balls and glue caught fire, according to the sheriff's department.

"He was dancing near the bar area along with a bunch of other people, and they thought that a cigarette maybe brushed up against his costume causing it to ignite," said Chief Deputy John Gossage of the Brown County Sheriff's Department. "He was substantially burned and received some extensive injuries."

DeStarkey was taken to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and later flown to Columbia St. Mary's Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee for his injuries. Several other patrons suffered minor burns and injuries as DeStarkey attempted to get out of the building.

His condition was not available Monday night.

Lt. Chris Heil of the Green Bay Fire Department's fire prevention division said fire resistance is one of the key things to keep in mind when selecting a costume.

"You want a costume that's fire resistant — there isn't anything fire proof — especially with children," he said. "Adults like to dress up and go out to establishments, but you've got to be aware of your surroundings as far as open flames, smoking materials.

"You have to be extra cautious if you're wearing something that's flammable, or you can end up being burned quite severely," he said.

Heil said homeowners can also take steps to make sure Halloween goes smoothly, including making sure jack-o'-lanterns are out at the end of the night.

"You still have to watch it; it's an open flame," he said.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/GPG0101/610310561/1978

[mainegreen]

1. They we're talking on the radio this morning about how this happened

to someone last year (sheep costume) and how they were going as a fire hydrant this year just in case.
:crazy:

[rug]

2. Fortunately his date, Vern, was there to extinguish it.