BUXTON — An elderly man died this morning after an out-of-control grass fire burned 70 percent of his body, according to the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Frank Hebert, 85, of Buxton, was burning grass on a steep embankment behind his home at 66 River Road on Wednesday afternoon when his clothing caught fire. The fire was reported around 6 p.m.

Firefighters found the man surrounded by flames when they arrived. He was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Buxton firefighter Jeremy Redlon suffered cuts and burns to both hands as he helped Hebert.

The Maine Forest Service is assisting the Fire Marshal’s Office in the investigation. The fire burned about half an acre.