BY TOM O'NEILL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE TOWNSHIP -- "Don't!"
In a split-second, Adam Dalton went from being a boy just playing with friends to a critical burn victim on fire, frantically running from an explosion he never thought would happen.
The Clermont County boy apparently didn't realize the dangers of pouring paint thinner on a small fire he'd set moments earlier Saturday in his back yard. He remained in critical condition Monday at Shriners Burns Institute, burned over 40 percent of his body. Local burn safety experts said Monday the accident underscores the hazards of flammable substances and some children's fascination with fire.
"My brother yelled, "Don't!' " Adam's 12-year-old friend and neighbor said Monday, his voice shaking as he recalled the explosion at the Holly Towne Mobile Home Park. "It took just a split-second. His whole body was on fire, from the waist up."
The boys yelled, "Drop-stop-and-roll," a fire safety mantra. Adam's mother heard her son's screams and ran outside, rolling him on the ground and pulling off his T-shirt, Clermont County Sheriff A.J. "Tim" Rodenberg said.
Adam's friend, who is not being identified by the Enquirer at the request of his mother, said he had never before seen Adam playing with fire. That was echoed by several adult neighbors, including Barbara Maddox, who described Adam as a responsible boy.
Police said Adam got the paint thinner from a nearby shed, and had poured a small amount on the ground, ignited it and stepped back. When he poured more directly from the container, the fire raced up the stream and ignited the vapors, causing the explosion. A corner of Adam's family home also was burned.
The friend, who witnessed the explosion with his 16-year-old brother, recently completed sixth grade at Amelia Elementary School with Adam. When asked what he would tell other kids, the boy fell silent for several seconds.
"Just don't mess with fire," he said in a low voice.
It is a message shared by Milford Assistant Fire Chief Mark Flanigan, president of the Juvenile Firesetter Education Council of Clermont County, and Matt Maley, director of risk management at Shriners.
"There's a general lack of knowledge, not only among children but adults," Mr. Maley said. "With flammable liquids' vapors, you'll get an immediate explosive fire."
"Too many people are wrapped up in "It's not going to happen to me,' " Mr. Flanigan said.
Adam is listed at Shriners as an acute patient, the average stay for which is 21 days, an institute spokeswoman said.
