12-Year-Old Severely Burned, Second Juvenile Injured in Maine Pit Fire

Gasoline used to accelerate ignition led to a flash fire, leaving one child with serious burns.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a melted, blackened gasoline can against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the dangers of using accelerants to start fires.A charred gasoline can serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of using accelerants when starting fires, especially involving minors.Portland Today

A 12-year-old boy suffered severe burns and another juvenile was injured after a pit fire incident in Topsham, Maine. The two juveniles were attempting to start a fire in a fire pit when gasoline was used to accelerate ignition, leading to a flash fire that resulted in the 12-year-old sustaining extensive burns. The injured boy was rushed to Maine Medical Center and then transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition. The other juvenile was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and released.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of using accelerants like gasoline when starting fires, especially involving minors. It raises concerns about fire safety education and the need for greater supervision around open flames to prevent such tragic accidents, particularly in residential areas.

The details

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, 'an apparent flash fire occurred involving the gasoline can, resulting in fuel being spilled onto the injured 12-year-old juvenile and igniting.' The incident happened around 5:30 pm near a residence on Coot Lane in Topsham. When police arrived, they found the 12-year-old boy sitting on the front porch with extensive burns.

  • The incident occurred around 5:30 pm on March 30, 2026.
  • The 12-year-old boy was transported to Maine Medical Center and then to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

The players

Topsham Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

Maine Department of Public Safety

The state agency providing details about the flash fire and the injuries sustained by the juveniles.

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What’s next

The investigation into the incident remains open and ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the importance of fire safety education, proper supervision, and the dangers of using accelerants like gasoline, especially when minors are involved. It serves as a reminder to the community about the need for greater caution and vigilance when it comes to open flames to prevent such devastating outcomes.