Maryland Heights, MO (May 21, 2026) – A man was seriously burned on Wednesday afternoon after a chemical fire broke out behind a body shop on Dorsett Road in Maryland Heights. Emergency units were called just before 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, and arrived to find the fire already out. The flames are believed to have been fueled by cleaning chemicals used inside the shop.
The worker caught in the fire was taken to a nearby hospital with serious burns. No other injuries were reported. Roads around Dorsett Road and Schuetz Road were temporarily shut down while utility companies helped secure the area.
Officials explained that chemical vapors released during use can ignite when they contact a nearby ignition source, which is what is believed to have started this fire. The cause is still being reviewed, and more details will follow as they become available.
We hope the injured worker makes a full and swift recovery.
What Makes Cleaning Chemicals in Auto Body Shops a Fire Hazard
Auto body shops use a range of flammable chemicals, including solvents, thinners, and degreasers, that release vapors during normal use. These vapors are heavier than air, meaning they can accumulate near the floor or in low-lying areas before reaching an ignition source. Sparks from equipment, a pilot light, or even static electricity can be enough to ignite them. This is why ventilation is so critical in these work environments. Proper airflow dilutes vapor concentration and reduces the risk of ignition.
Many body shops also store chemicals near heat-generating equipment, which adds to the risk if storage guidelines aren’t followed. Burns from chemical fires can be severe because the flames usually spread quickly across exposed skin before a person can move away from the source.
