Maine 12-Year-Old Seriously Burned in Topsham Fire Pit Incident

A 12-year-old boy remains in serious condition following a flash fire Friday evening in Topsham that left him with severe burn injuries.

According to the Topsham Police Department, first responders were called to a residence on Cote Lane around 5:30 p.m. on March 27 after receiving a report of a juvenile suffering from significant burns. When emergency crews arrived, they found the 12-year-old seated on the front porch of the home with extensive burns across his body.

Maine Department of Public Safety reported that emergency personnel immediately transported the child to Maine Medical Center in Portland for treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Police said a second juvenile who was present at the time of the incident was taken by a parent to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. That individual was treated and later released.

Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate the juveniles were attempting to start a fire in a backyard fire pit when gasoline was used to accelerate ignition. Authorities say an apparent flash fire occurred involving the gasoline can. During the incident, fuel was spilled onto the 12-year-old, which then ignited, causing the severe burn injuries.

Officials are reminding the public that gasoline should never be used to start or accelerate fires, as vapors can ignite quickly and unpredictably, leading to dangerous flash fires.

The incident remains under investigation by the Topsham Police Department.