25-year-old in critical condition after Oregon fire

OREGON – A volunteer firefighter badly burned while working on a demolition car in his garage Monday was listed in critical condition Tuesday night at a Rockford hospital.

Thomas Jones, 25, was burned over 85 percent of his body in the explosion and fire that happened around 5 p.m., Fire Chief Don Heller said.

Jones’ girlfriend, Chelsy Janssen, 22, also of Oregon, suffered second-degree burns to her hands, arms, and forehead trying to help him, Heller said.

She was in fair condition Tuesday night. Both are at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Heller said the preliminary investigation indicates Jones was using a torch to cut underneath the car when the gas tank exploded.

The fire destroyed the unattached garage and damaged Jones’ nearby home at 406 S. Eighth St.

The state fire marshal is assisting with the investigation.