Kamiya Baulmer was 9 years old when she set herself on fire. Now she runs into burning buildings for a living — and she says the two things are not a coincidence.
On May 29, 2007, Baulmer was at home with her three siblings when she began experimenting with toilet tissue, rubbing alcohol, and fire. The combination ignited and engulfed her body in flames.
“All I remember was it being lit and after that I was covered in flames,” Baulmer said. “I remember running out of that bathroom and going into my parents’ room and jumping in the shower there.”
Two Months in the Hospital
The burns were severe. Baulmer was placed in a medically induced coma and spent two months in the hospital, enduring skin grafts, painful scrub-downs, and pain medication. Her family stayed by her side throughout her recovery, with support from the Ronald McDonald House.
When she woke up, her first words set the tone for everything that followed.
Jacksonville firefighter Kamiya Baulmer recalls childhood burn accident (WJXT)
“My dad told me that the first thing I said when I woke up was, ‘I want to live. I just want to live,’” Baulmer said.
From Burn Camp to Firehouse
Baulmer went on to attend burn camps alongside other children who were recovering from similar injuries — programs designed to rebuild self-esteem and help kids reclaim a sense of normal life.
Years later, she made a decision that surprised even herself: she became a firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
“Something just sparked in me, and I realized, okay, maybe I can do this,” Baulmer said. “I think this also — not knowing where this would take me — this is the route God would want me to take.”
She said her experience as a burn survivor shapes how she approaches the job.
“We can keep our community even more safe, knowing that I was burned as a youth, as a child, and pretty much playing around with fire,” Baulmer said. “It could’ve been prevented.”
A Message for Parents
This week is Fire Prevention Week, and Baulmer is using her platform to push parents to have regular fire safety conversations with their children — not just once, but often.
“Even if your child knows what to do, keep them informed,” she said. “Always ask them — every other week or monthly — check in that they know what to do in case of an emergency, especially when it comes to fire.”
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