A father of three from California experienced a harrowing incident when he unexpectedly caught fire outside a shopping center, leaving him with third-degree burns on 90% of his body. The victim, identified only as Joel, is 35 years old and was discovered by authorities near the Mall of Victor Valley in Victorville at approximately 7:35 p.m. on March 30.
Joel, who is described by police as a transient from Hesperia—a town situated about nine miles south of Victorville in San Bernardino County—was the subject of multiple emergency reports. Eyewitnesses were alarmed to see him engulfed in flames, with one bystander disturbingly noting that his skin appeared to be ‘falling off.’
According to accounts given to Victor Valley News, the fire might have originated in a makeshift encampment where Joel was staying. Responding to the scene, deputies found items that suggested the presence of combustible materials, leading to an initial conclusion that the blaze was accidental, as stated by the Victorville Police Department.
The Victorville Police Department received multiple reports of a man engulfed in flames, with one bystander saying the man’s skin was ‘falling off.’
Witnesses told Victor Valley News the fire may have started in an area Joel was using as an encampment.
‘Deputies located items consistent with combustible materials and a preliminary determination suggests the fire was accidental,’ Victorville Police Department said.
Video reviewed by Victor Valley News showed a massive blaze burning near an electrical box surrounded by bushes.
The father of three was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, reported KTLA.
Joel, 35, was found by police after several reports that a man was ablaze near a mall in Victorville, California. He is pictured with his late wife, Brittney
Joel sustained third degree burns over 90 percent of his body and is currently in critical condition
Several bystanders stopped to help Joel before emergency crews arrived.
Joel’s family started a GoFundMe to support his ongoing and painful recovery.
‘Our family is completely heartbroken,’ read the tribute on the fundraising page created by his sister-in-law, Jenny Cobb.
‘Joel is a father of three, and his children need him. Watching someone you love go through something this devastating is something you can never be prepared for,’ it continued.
‘We are leaning on our faith during this time, trusting God, and asking for prayers for Joel’s healing, strength, and recovery.’
According to loved ones, Joel’s long road of recovery ahead includes multiple surgeries, skin grafts, intensive burn care and a ‘painful’ rehabilitation process.
The family requested donations totaling $9,000, which will be used toward physical therapy, specialized burn treatment, medications, and basic living expenses during recovery.
Joel was found near the Mall of Victor Valley. Witnesses said the fire could have occurred in a makeshift encampment
Joel’s family asking for $9,000 to support his lengthy recovery process which will include several surgeries and physical therapy
‘Joel is deeply loved. He is not just a patient—he is a father, a brother, and someone who matters deeply to all of us,’ it said.
Joel’s wife, Brittney Buell, died unexpectedly in 2022, according to a separate GoFundMe started by Cobb at the time.
The pair shared children Aleah, Jimmy and Joel.
Victorville Police Department’s Arson/Bomb Detail and the San Bernardino County Arson Investigator are both investigating the incident.
The Daily Mail contacted the Victorville Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office for more information.
