A teenage boy suffered burns to the face when he lit a bonfire with petrol causing a flash fire.

The accident happened in Church Lane, Shenfield and the fire brigade came to put out the fire which looked like it might get out of control and to attend to the 15-year-old boy.

He was put into a bath and fire fighters kept him cool using Water Jel gel packs. He suffered scorching on his face and was taken to Oldchurch Hospital for treatment.

A spokesman for Brentwood Fire Station said: "We would like to remind everyone of the dangers of using petrol to light fires. Quite often this can cause a flag fire which can be very dangerous and lead to serious injury."

Published Tuesday, August 5, 2003

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