A FATHER suffered serious burns to his face after using lighter fluid on a bonfire.

He was having a bonfire with his family in Baxendale Street, Astley Bridge, when the accident happened on Saturday night.

The man, who was with his partner and their children, is now recovering at home after firefighters were called to the incident just after 7.30pm.

Fire chiefs have urged people to never use an accelerant on a bonfire and to attend organised events instead.

The victim, who asked not to be named, said: "I leaned over to light it and it kind of back drafted, and shot something onto my face which was in the fire.

"I patted the fire out and ran to bathroom to see the damage and went to hospital with a face mask on.

"They cleaned me up a bit and let me go home.

"I don't feel that bad, just my face all scrunching up. It just goes to show accidents can happen, because I wasn't messing about."

Station manager Dave Baxter, who attended the incident, said: “The bonfire was made up of lots of cardboard within an old oil drum.

"But the man put lighter fluid on it and when he lit the fire it popped and something that was on fire inside the drum flew out onto the man’s face.

“The fire was contained to the drum but the man suffered serious burns.”

The officer supported paramedics in treating the man at the scene before he was taken to hospital.

Cllr David Acton, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, urged people still planning bonfire night activities to learn from this incident.

He said: “This incident highlights just how dangerous it is to use an accelerant such as lighter fluid, petrol or paraffin on a bonfire.

“Not only has this man suffered serious burns, his family will have no doubt been traumatised by what happened at what should have been a fun, family event.

“That’s why we always advise people to attend organised bonfires and fireworks displays – you get more for your money and more importantly, they are safer.

“There will be people across the county who are still celebrating today and this evening but please follow our advice and keep yourselves and your family safe.”

For advice on bonfire and firework safety, and details of organised events, visit www.safe4autumn.com