A YOUNG man who was caught in a flashback after he poured petrol on a bonfire is suffering from serious burns to his arms and face today.The 22-year-old was taken to Ipswich Hospital after the bonfire got out of control in St Edmunds Close, Bromeswell at about 7pm yesterday.

A YOUNG man who was caught in a flashback after he poured petrol on a bonfire is suffering from serious burns to his arms and face today.

The 22-year-old was taken to Ipswich Hospital after the bonfire got out of control in St Edmunds Close, Bromeswell at about 7pm yesterday.

Assistant divisional officer (ADO) David Atkinson of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service who went to the scene said: “We got called out because a young man had been standing in front of a bonfire and used some petrol fluid to set it going.

“He got caught in a flashback from the petrol fumes and burned both his arms and his face.

“There would have been a flame that would have rushed out towards him.”

ADO Atkinson said the man was in a lot of pain and discomfort.

He said the man's parents were around at the time of the accident and added that firefighters had put out the bonfire as soon as they arrived.

And he warned that with bonfire night just a few days away the firework safety code must be followed.

He added: “It's going to be a busy period for us and it's a time we don't enjoy because we see a lot of pain.”

Weblink: www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks

Bonfire safety

Don't build bonfires too big

keep them away from buildings, fences, sheds and other combustible items

Don't build a bonfire under or too near to trees

Don't use petrol or other flammable liquids to start the fire

Always have a bucket of water available for emergencies

If you have built your bonfire a few days before - please check for hedgehogs and other animals that might have taken shelter in it