A WIRRAL teenager who received burns to his face when an aerosol can thrown onto a fire exploded hopes his ordeal will discourage others from taking risks this Bonfire Night. 

Fourteen-year-old Keegan Morton, from Beechwood, had been playing with friends on community land on Edgemore Close on the evening of November 6 last year. 

The Woodchurch High School pupil, said: "A small fire was burning near to where me and a friend were playing and we started throwing things on it - bits of wood, paper and aerosols.

"Using a stick I leaned over the fire and poked an aerosol. There was a really loud bang and a bright flash of light.

"At first I was unsure what had happened then everyone started to panic and scream. My face felt like it was on fire."

Keegan began to scream in pain which alerted nearby workers in a play centre.

His mother and brother Kelly were also called and they took Keegan to Arrowe Park Hospital. 

"I really began to get scared," said Keegan.

"I was screaming in pain because my face felt like it was on fire.”

Keegan was given drugs for the pain so doctors could examine his face.

Mum Kelly told the Globe she hadn’t realised how badly Keegan was injured at first.

“It was decided that due to his injuries he would be put to sleep. This was because burns keep on burning deep down and the doctors didn’t know how badly his throat was burnt.

“Blisters started appearing all over his face. He had no eyebrows or eyelashes and his hair was burnt.

“We were quite calm until it was explained to us the ventilator was keeping him alive.”

Keegan was transferred to Alder Hey Hospital for further treatment.

“I can honestly say it was the worst night of my life,” said Kelly.

“We were told the by the nurses that Keegan was lucky that he had closed his eyes as that had saved his sight.

“His face looked horrific in hospital.”

Following the injury, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service staff – which dealt with 1,500 calls in the three weeks leading up to Bonfire Night last year - are highlighting safety messages to nearby schools.

Group manager Paul Murphy said: “This is a distressing example of what can go wrong with fires on public land including streets.

“We advise people attend organised fireworks’ and bonfire events where there are safety measures in place.

“We also advise people do not throw anything on to bonfires, particularly any accelerants or aerosols as these can cause fire to develop quickly and unpredictably and lead to injuries."

Adel Fattah, the consultant surgeon in plastic surgery at Alder Hey who treated Keegan, said: “One moment’s thoughtlessness or carelessness can quickly turn to life-long difficulties. These painful burns, usually to the face and hands, require extensive and often uncomfortable treatment and can lead to life-long scarring.”

Keegan knows how lucky he is to have received no lasting scars and told the Globe he will never make what he called a “stupid mistake” again.

To report unsafe bonfires or to report storage of bonfire materials for removal, call Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 731 5958.