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Darwin Awards
2008 Slush Pile

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Teens, Bonfire and Gas

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

(1998 Ontario, Canada) This happened when I was in highschool and a bunch of friends and I were hanging out one Saturday afternoon. It was a pretty chilly spring afternoon and Ryan, my friend's boyfriend who's house we were at, had the bright idea of starting a bonfire. We, of course, thought this was a great idea as we weren't permitted to hangout inside. Ryan was not a exactly stand-up kinda guy and his mom didn't like the majority of his friends. This was my first time meeting most of them, and the last.

The woodpile was pretty damp having not been covered over the winter and so the guys were having a hard time getting the fire going. Not wanting to look like fools in front of us (the only 2 girls present) the boys headed into the garage to look for some ligther fluid to help the process along. Not finding any, Ryan noticed a large red gas can in the corner by the lawnmower.

The guys, of course, were all for using the gasoline to start the fire, but my friend and I are not so sure so we stood waaaaaay back out of harms way. They start by dousing the damp wood and throwing a match on the pile. Then all of a sudden!...the wood slowly started to burn, but hardly enough to warm as up.

Ryan, hoping for a much better display proceeded to pick up the gas can and walk toward the fire. Sarah (my friend) and I started screaming at Ryan to leave it alone, but, undaunted, Ryan proceeded to approach the fire with the fuel. The other guys were telling us to chill, that Ryan knows what he's doing (ya right!). He screwed on the long nozzle and started to pour the gas directly into the flames, not even paying attention to what he's doing. Within seconds, the flames had grown several feet tall and the stream of gasoline started to slowly be replaced from the bottom up by a stream of fire. Inches before the fire reached the tip of the nozzle, Ryan, seeing everyone run for cover, looked down and realized the immense stupidity of his actions and threw the gas can as far as he could - right toward the garage and several of his huddled friends. Luckily, no one was hurt as the stream of gas was cut off as he threw the can. Ryan did manage to melt his shoe and nearly set his leg on fire as the momentum from throwing the gas can spun his body around and he ended up with one foot in the flames.

Now, I know that because we were all between 16-17 years of age, it might be grounds for disqualification HOWEVER! I think Ryan deserves an honourable mention on the premise that A) We all knew how dangerous gas and fire can be(...who doesn't?!?!), B) Sarah and I both told him it was a very bad idea, and C) Bonfires are not even allowed within city limits unless it's in a proper a chiminea or the like and set far from any buildings, which we were all aware of and were discussing before trying to light the fire. I'm sure by now that Ryan or one of his moron friend's has done something to deserve a Darwin Award, even if it's by been locked up...last I heard that's were Ryan was, in jail.

Submitted on 04/03/2008

Submitted by: Amber deLottinville
Reference: Personal Account

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

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Chip said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Amber, I like the descriptions in your personal account. Thanks for the story

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Thanks for the story, Amber. I'm glad to hear you and your friend were smart enough to back up when the can of gasoline was brought out. I wonder if Ryan ended up in jail for burning down his house with another can of gasoline!

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