An Abingdon man who fell into a fire pit and burned his hands early Saturday morning has been discharged from the hospital.
The victim was at a backyard party with several of his neighbors at a home in the 3100 block of Thornapple Court.
Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire, spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal's Office, said the victim was in a chair next to a fire pit while his friends were gathered nearby.
Alkire said the victim, who was allegedly "highly intoxicated," tried to get up, but he stumbled and fell into the fire pit. He put his hands out to try to break his fall and suffered second and third-degree burns on both hands, Alkire said.
The incident happened around 2:15 a.m. Saturday, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.
Medical personnel from the Abingdon Fire Company responded, and the victim was taken to the burn center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. The man was later released, according to a hospital spokesperson.
Alkire said the incident "again, shows that fire and alcohol do not mix."
With warmer weather, he said, more people will be having outdoor parties with fire pits and no doubt will soon be setting off fireworks as Independence Day nears.
"We encourage people to enjoy themselves, but drink in moderation," Alkire said.