Warning after teen suffered burns

The boy is believed to have poured petrol or a similar accelerant onto the fire, which ignited and burnt his arms, legs and chest. 117425

By JESSE GRAHAM

POLICE have issued a stern warning for parents to be aware of their children’s behaviour, after a 13-year-old Healesville boy suffered burns trying to light a fire with accelerants over the weekend.
Emergency services were called out to a Healesville address shortly before 6pm on Saturday 23 July, after the teenager attempted to light a small fire in a container with a group of others.
Senior Sergeant Jeff Haines said the boy poured “petrol or some other flammable liquid” onto the fire, which ignited and burnt his arms, legs and chest.
Sen Sgt Haines said the boy was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital, but was in a stable condition.
“From our point-of-view, it highlights the dangers of fire and accelerants,” he said.
“Obviously, we’d issue a warning to all parents to be vigilant around their kids, and to remind their kids of these dangers.”