COMO — A Como couple was injured after a fire destroyed their home near here.

On Thursday, Como Fire Department responded at approximately 6 p.m. to a report of a fire at 721 Mill Neck Road.

According to Como Fire Chief Jason Howell, responding fire trucks had to slow down to manage potholes in the driveway to the residence. Howell said the residence was located approximately one mile from the road near the river.

He said the homeowners, a male and female, were reportedly using a fire barrel when the fire got out of control and spread to a nearby storage barn, which was in close proximity to the home.

When fire crews arrived part of the double-wide mobile home was on fire.

Howell said the couple was injured while trying to put the fire out at the storage barn.

“They were trying to put out the storage barn when a gas can or something ruptured (within the fire),” he said.

Howell said the female homeowner suffered a burn on one of her legs, while the male homeowner sustained second and third degree burns to various areas on his body, including his face and chest. Both were transported for medical care. Howell said the man is still hospitalized at Sentara Norfolk Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

Howell said three trucks from Como Fire Department responded to the blaze along with 21 firefighters. Murfreesboro Fire Department and Winton Fire Department were called in for mutual aid. Murfreesboro responded with three trucks and 15 fire personnel and Winton with one truck and two firefighters.

Howell said crews did not check back into the station until 1:30 a.m. on Friday.

Howell said the storage barn was a complete loss and the home as well with the roof and attic portion of the residence burned. Firefighters did manage to salvage some items from the home, including two freezers full of food. Howell added that family, friends and community members are rallying to help the couple.

Howell thanked Murfreesboro and Winton fire departments for their help.

“It was mighty stressful,” he said about the more seven hours that the firefighters were on site. “It takes a lot out of you.”