RIVERDALE, Md. (WUSA) -- 9NEWS NOW has learned investigations are underway into how a teenager was burned inside a Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department station.
According to numerous sources familiar with the incident, an alcohol-based foam, normally used as a disinfectant, was sprayed on the teenager and then ignited. He suffered a small burn to his back after his clothing caught fire.
The teenager is believed to be a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania and, according to the sources, had hoped to become a volunteer with the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department. He was being allowed to ride-along in anticipation of the possible membership. The incident occurred inside the firehouse on Queensbury Road on Saturday, September 15th.
Sources at Riverdale describe the incident as rough-housing between the teen and two Riverdale volunteers. It is also being investigated as a possible hazing incident. Sources say the two volunteer firefighters have been suspended.
Riverdale's Volunteer Chief Vince Harrison told 9NEWS NOW, "We are conducting a thorough investigation and we consider any allegations like this very serious."
Chief Harrison said he could not make further comment on the advice of Riverdale's attorney.
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department spokesman Mark Brady confirmed both internal and criminal investigations are underway but also could not comment further.
Prince George's County Public Safety Director Vernon Herron said it is still unclear what was behind the incident.
Herron said, "Hazing is not a part of our membership procedure or training." Herron said if it turns out this was a hazing incident it will be "dealt with severely."
The teen is reported to have returned to Pennsylvania. The boy told volunteers at Riverdale who befriended him that he had been a firefighter in Pennsylvania.
For more information on this and other stories, go to STATter 911. Republished with permission fro WUSA9.com
