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Boy, 12, Burned Playing With Gas

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

TAMPA - A 12-year-old boy was seriously burned Tuesday morning when he and his brother put gasoline in a mop bucket and lit sticks on fire, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.

The fire ignited the gas.

Demondre Brunson suffered second- and third-degree burns to about 45 percent of his body, fire rescue said. He rolled on the ground to put out flames on his clothes. Paramedics treated him at scene, and he was taken to Tampa General Hospital. He was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon.

Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Bill Wade said Brunson's rolling on the ground prevented even worse injury.

His recovery will be difficult, Wade said, but "one thing going for him is his age, and the other being the flames and the heat didn't get into his face or up into his airway."

Brunson and his 10-year-old brother were in the backyard of their house, 3207 E. 24th Ave., when the fire started at 11:47 a.m.

Brunson's mother, Evelyn D. Miller, was in the house.

His brother, Jamonta Brunson, said Tuesday afternoon that he wanted people to know they should "not play with gasoline because it's very dangerous."
Frank Hernandez said he saw Demondre Brunson soon after he was burned.

"It looked like he got hit by a car," Hernandez said. "His skin was all peeling off. He was a little hysterical."

Charges were not expected to be filed, but Brunson and his brother will be referred to the Juvenile Fire Setter's Program, a fire rescue news release stated.

News Channel 8 photojournalist Kate Caldwell contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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