SEQUIM — As a paramedic in a small community, Marc Lawson knew the day would come when his patient would be a family member or a friend.

But he hadn’t thought he might be called on to save the life of a mentor and fellow firefighter.

That was the case Saturday evening when Lawson and other Clallam County Fire District No. 3 firefighters and paramedics were called to 441 S. Second Ave. after a reported explosion.

Lawson and other crew members found 38-year-old volunteer firefighter Mike McAneny with severe burns to the hands and body.

Capt. Jeff Upchurch said McAneny was apparently trying to light a fire pit during a family gathering when the explosion happened.

Upchurch said it’s believed McAneny was using an accelerant to help get the fire going.

Family members, including McAneny’s son, Zach, helped extinguish the flames before paramedics arrived, Upchurch said.

“His son saved Mike’s life by putting out the fire with a hose,” Lawson said.

The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.