A 24-year-old man is listed in critical condition after being badly burned in the Pond Mills-area following an incident involving a backyard fire pit.
It happened around 6 p.m. Monday on Cairn St. near Pond Mills and Commissioners.
According to investigators, the 24-year-old — whose name has not been released — sustained significant burns while trying to use gasoline as an accelerant in a backyard fire pit.
The London Fire Department says the victim was with a friend at the time, and the fire was actually meant as a ceremonial tribute to a mutual friend who had recently passed away.
According to officials,people are encouraged to remember the following backyard fire pit safety tips — especially with the Canada Day holiday approaching:
- Check wind direction before you light a fire
- Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc) to light or relight fires
- Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fit clothing
- Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks
Source: London Man Critically Injured in Backyard Fire Pit Incident | (CFPL AM) AM 980
