Teen Almost Died After Thanksgiving Bonfire Explosion

Albertson joined friends and neighbors for what was supposed to be a calm holiday celebration in Gloucester, Virginia. But as people poured fuel onto the flames to keep the fire burning, disaster struck.

“It was supposed to be fun,” Albertson told WAVY-TV 10. “Then someone dropped the can, and the fire just exploded. It shot straight at me—I felt it hit my face.”

The fireball sent panic through the crowd as the teen screamed and fell to the ground. “I thought I was going to die,” he said. “Everything went orange. I couldn’t see anything—all I could hear was the fire.”

Covered in flames, Albertson did the only thing he could remember from safety drills—he stopped, dropped, and rolled. “It hurt so bad, but I knew I had to do something,” he recalled.

His parents, who were nearby, rushed him to a local hospital before he was transferred to VCU Medical Center in Richmond. Doctors say the teen suffered second- and third-degree burns to his face, arms, and hands and has already undergone several procedures to repair the damage.

“Garrett’s lucky to be alive,” said family friend Lisa Harmon, who’s helping organize a local fundraiser for his recovery. “One more second, and it could have been fatal.”

Now recovering, Albertson says his faith—and his family—are what’s keeping him going. “God gave me another chance,” he said from his hospital bed. “I know I’m here for a reason.”

He’s expected to be released in the coming week, but the road ahead will be long. Doctors have warned of possible skin grafts and months of rehabilitation.

His parents are urging others to use the tragedy as a reminder about fire safety. “Never add accelerant to a bonfire,” his father told local reporters. “You think you can control it—but fire moves faster than you ever can.”

Albertson says he plans to speak at local schools once he recovers. “I just want people to understand how quick it happens,” he said. “Something so small can turn so big, so fast. Be careful—pay attention to what you’re doing.”

Source: WAVY-TV 10 / NBC Richmond affiliate