Painter suffers burns in west valley fire

A painter was hospitalized after suffering burns in a fire at the Queensridge Homeowners Association clubhouse Wednesday morning.

The flash fire started after fumes from the spray paint inside the clubhouse were ignited by a pilot light inside a nearby natural gas fireplace in the clubhouse, fire officials said.

Firefighters responded to the clubhouse at 851 Palace Court, near Charleston Boulevard and Hualapai Way, about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, but the fire had already been extinguished by overhead automatic fire sprinklers, officials said.

The painter suffered non-life threatening burns to his arms and hands. Because the worker was wearing a respirator, which prevents painters from inhaling fumes, he did not breathe in any superheated air, according to officials.

Damage was estimated at $5,000. The fire was ruled accidental by fire investigators.

Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638. Follow @ColtonLochhead on Twitter.