It started on the second floor of a residence on Vanderbilt Avenue just after 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Fire officials say the victim sustained burns to 90 percent of his body.
He was taken to Staten Island University Hospital.
A firefighter was also injured, but it was not considered serious.
Officials say a propane heater was being used for heating at the time, but they could not determine whether or not it was the cause of the fire.
An investigation is ongoing.
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