A 45-year-old Wedderburn woman is in serious condition in Dunedin Hospital with severe burns after the chainsaw she was using erupted in flames yesterday.
Emergency services were called to a Wedderburn-Becks Rd property at 5.45pm after initial reports of a possible house fire.
A Fire Service communications spokesman told the Otago Daily Times last night it appeared the woman was filling up her chainsaw when it caught alight, and she ran inside seeking help, causing the property to fill with smoke.
On their arrival at the Wedderburn Old School Accommodation areas, St John and Fire Service personnel from Ranfurly treated a woman with severe burns to her legs, arms, back and torso.
The woman was initially helped by her mother and daughter and neighbours at the scene, Ranfurly Fire Senior Station Officer Greg Baddock said.
"She was calm, and talked to us while we looked after her," he said.
The patient was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital at 7.35pm by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter in a critical condition.
She remained in a serious condition in intensive care last night.
Police and the Fire Service confirmed they would be investigating the incident.
