Man Dies After Falling Into Backyard Fire Pit in Southern Maine

A Raymond man has died from burns he suffered when he fell into a fire pit in his backyard early Saturday. 

The State Fire Marshal's Office says 52-year-old Timothy W. Small died at a Boston hospital where he was being treated for burns to 60 per cent of his body.  Investigators said Small was drinking with friends around his rock-lined fire pit Friday night, but was alone when the accident took place about 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

Small managed to stagger into his home, refused medical attention and went to bed, according to a press release from Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland.

Friends staying at the house called for an ambulance a few hours later.  Small was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland and then transferred to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where he passed away Sunday evening.