A southwest Washington firefighter was briefly engulfed in flames after responding to a townhouse fire in Camas.

Gary Horst told The Columbian (http://is.gd/QMToWX) that when he pulled open a window to get a cross-breeze after he and his partner had put out the fire, something fell from the sill, broke at his feet and enveloped him in flames.

Horst says he was "a human fireball" and started yelling to fellow firefighter Ron Nickles, "Ronny, put me out!!"

Nickles says his friend "just turned into an instant ball of fire." Nickles quickly doused Horst with water.

Horst was protected by his gear and was unhurt.

Camas-Washougal Fire Chief Nick Swinhart says the cause of Thursday's fire is under investigation. Swinhart says the occupant described using a lighter to see under his bed because he had no flashlight. The occupant left the townhouse after calling 911. He was not hurt.

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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com