On Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 5:30 pm., the Topsham Police Department responded to a residence on Coot Lane in Topsham following a report of a juvenile with severe burn injuries.

Upon arrival, first responders located a 12 year old male seated on the front porch of the residence suffering from extensive burns to his body.  Emergency personnel immediately transported the juvenile to Maine Medical Center in Portland.  He was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

A second juvenile who was present at the time of the incident was transported by a parent to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.  That individual was treated and released.  The preliminary investigation indicates the juveniles were attempting to start a fire in a pit when gasoline was used to accelerate ignition.  An apparent flash fire occurred involving the gasoline can, resulting in fuel being spilled onto the injured 12-year old juvenile and igniting.

This incident remains under investigation according to a press release received from Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety, early this evening.