From Jackson County Sherif's Office
Just before 11:00 am on June 15, 2016 a 911 call was received reporting that EMS was needed for two small children that were injured in a fire. The call was received from the West Florida District Assembly of God campground on Highway 90, east of Marianna. Fire and EMS units along with law enforcement responded to the area. Two children under the age of 12 were seriously burned and were taken by helicopter which landed at Eastside Baptist Church to a Tallahassee hospital. Both children were later transferred to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The burns covered a large portion of both children's bodies. The state Fire Marshals' office assisted by Jackson County Sheriff s Office immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding this fire. Preliminary investigation thus far has revealed that numerous children who were attending a week long summer camp and were assembled for an educational gathering inside of one of the buildings. During the assembly a small fire was ignited to demonstrate part of the lesson that was being taught. A flammable liquid used to start the fire was accidently ignited causing a flash fire which engulfed two children who were observing the lesson. The fire was immediately extinguished using fire extinguishers and articles of clothing. The Fi re Marshals Office is continuing the fire investigation as to the cause of the accidental ignition of the flammable liquid. Assisting during this incident were Marianna Fire Rescue, Jackson County Fire Rescue, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Officers along with the and Fire Marshal’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff s Office. Due to quick response of the campground staff an even more serious catastrophe was averted.