A man staying at the Ridge Tahoe sustained severe burns to almost 50 percent of his body.

According to Tahoe Douglas fire officials, the victim fell asleep by a radiant fireplace in his room and awoke to find himself on fire.

Just after midnight Dec. 5 he was flown by CalStar from the resort at the top of Kingsbury Grade to the UC Davis Burn Center.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire to his clothing and the carpet.

The name of the man and his hometown have not been released.

Heating incidents are one of the leading causes of deaths in homes. The fire department suggests people read this safety brochure.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report