Maj. David Cochran, chief deputy at the Jackson County sheriff's office, says officials have launched an investigation to determine if the fire was caused by a propane leak.
Jackson County's 63 patrol cars can run on either propane or gasoline.
Cochran says the fire occurred Monday morning north of Jefferson when deputy Gary Cox responded to a call.
Cochran says the interior of the car caught fire when the deputy lit a cigarette.
Cox was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for burns to his face and arms. He was later released.
This Jackson County sheriff's patrol car, partially fueled by propane gas, exploded Monday as the deputy driving it was lighting a cigarette. (Photo courtesy Fox 5 Atlanta.)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/10/233299