Gas-fueled bonfire injures 7 teens

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Seven teens were hurt after one teen poured gasoline on a bonfire at a party Saturday night.

Around 7:40 p.m., 16- and 17-year-olds boys -- all Ravenna High School students -- were having a party in the 22000 block of 32nd Avenue in Ottawa County's Chester Township, authorities said.

One of them poured gas on a large brush pile, then created a gas trail up the driveway. Then the teen tested a lighter, causing an explosion..

A large fire ball erupted, injuring the teens. Three of them sustained serious injuries. Aero Med transported one of them to a hospital.

The brother of one of the victims said the group had gathered for a going-away party for his family, who are moving to California on Thursday.

"They're really great kids, and they gathered for a fun summer going away party," said the woman who hosted the party. Her son was one of the teens injured. "They thought they were being cautious and careful and that it was going to be a fun way to get a big fire going fast -- and that wasn't what it was."

One of the teens injured, according to his brother, was previously attended Ravenna High School and will be a high school senior in the fall.

The brother didn't know what the injured teen's condition was, but said his burns were mainly on his leg and he was not as seriously injured as some of the other victims.

He said his family went Sunday afternoon to check on the other victims at the hospital.

"Of course, we're extremely grateful that the kids are going to be okay," said the woman who hosted the party.

He said they knew most of the party attendees from school or church.

There were parents at the party and police said alcohol was not a factor.

Fire safety instructor Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E., Inc. explained what the teens didn't account for:

"It's never a good idea to use gasoline or any type of accelerant to start a campfire," said McLeieer. "It's the vapors that can actually ignite and when the right conditions come together, certainly there can be a fire or an explosion."

He maintained a safe bonfire is one without an accelerant, built with plenty of patience.

"Using dry wood, making sure that they have small pieces of kindling and make sure they are lighting that," said McLeieer. "Then they can add larger amounts of wood, which acts as fuel and the fire will be much safer."

"Fire and gasoline is a very bad combination," said the woman who hosted the party.