Youth burned in vehicle engine fire in Helen

HELEN - A 16-year-old male received second- and third-degree burns Sunday as a result of a fire in Helen. 

Helen Police Chief Brian Stephens said the youth, whose name is not being released because of his age, along with two other people, were working on a vehicle at the Quality Inn when the fire occurred.   

Stephens said the three were changing a fuel pump on a vehicle when an electrical arc occurred, setting some excess fuel on fire.   

The injured youth was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment.  Officials wanted to transport the victim to the hospital by air ambulance but weather conditions would not permit that. 

The incident was reported at 12:21 p.m. 

According to Stephens the youth were staying at the Quality Inn.

No other injuries were reported.   

Stephens said they had not received an update on the youth's condition as of Monday morning.