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Jacksonville firefighter Kamiya Baulmer recalls childhood burn accident (WJXT)<\/p>\nKamiya Baulmer was 9 years old when she set herself on fire. Now she runs into burning buildings for a living \u2014 and she says the two things are not a coincidence.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll I remember was it being lit and after that I was covered in flames,\u201d Baulmer said. \u201cI remember running out of that bathroom and going into my parents\u2019 room and jumping in the shower there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two Months in the Hospital<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When she woke up, her first words set the tone for everything that followed.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville firefighter Kamiya Baulmer recalls childhood burn accident (WJXT)<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dad told me that the first thing I said when I woke up was, \u2018I want to live. I just want to live,\u2019\u201d Baulmer said.<\/p>\n
From Burn Camp to Firehouse<\/p>\n
Baulmer went on to attend burn camps alongside other children who were recovering from similar injuries \u2014 programs designed to rebuild self-esteem and help kids reclaim a sense of normal life.<\/p>\n
Years later, she made a decision that surprised even herself: she became a firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething just sparked in me, and I realized, okay, maybe I can do this,\u201d Baulmer said. \u201cI think this also \u2014 not knowing where this would take me \u2014 this is the route God would want me to take.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said her experience as a burn survivor shapes how she approaches the job.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Baulmer said. \u201cIt could\u2019ve been prevented.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for Parents<\/p>\n
This week is Fire Prevention Week, and Baulmer is using her platform to push parents to have regular fire safety conversations with their children \u2014 not just once, but often.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if your child knows what to do, keep them informed,\u201d she said. \u201cAlways ask them \u2014 every other week or monthly \u2014 check in that they know what to do in case of an emergency, especially when it comes to fire.\u201d<\/p>\n
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