SIMI VALLEY : Man Working on Model Rocket Burned
A Simi Valley man working on a model rocket at his home received moderate burns over 80% of his body Tuesday afternoon when sparks ignited a small amount of black powder used for fuel, authorities said.
Joseph Malek, 33, was in fair condition Tuesday evening at Simi Valley Hospital, a nursing supervisor said.
Malek was injured while grinding parts for a model rocket in a workshop at his residence in the 1500 block of Angela Street, Capt. Jim Ackerman of the Ventura County Fire Department said.
Sparks from the grinding ignited a small amount of the explosive used to power model rockets, Ackerman said. He said there was a flash, but it was out in an instant.
Malek received third-degree burns over 5% of his body, mainly to his hands and legs, and less serious, second-degree burns over 80% of his body, burning his chest, arms and legs and scorching his hair, Ackerman said.
The fire captain said use of the gunpowder-type explosive for model rocketry is legal, though a permit is needed to fire the rockets.
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