Schoolboy, 10, suffered 40% burns when wheelie-bin fire spread to 1st floor flat

26 February 2024 , 22:02

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The family lost all their belongings in the horrifying fire (Image: CDDFRS / SWNS)

A schoolboy in County Durham was almost killed after a fire in a wheelie-bin spread to his home on a first-floor flat - leaving him with devastating burns.

Little Blaine Beattie suffered 40 per cent burns to his body after a suspected arson attack, which nearly took his life. Both the 10-year-old and his brother, 21-year-old Cameron, were asleep at the time of the incident, and were pulled to safety by firemen.

The family lost all their belongings in the horrifying fire, - which happened at 1.15am on December 14 last year - including presents their dad Paul had bought for the boys. The kids were rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where Blaine underwent lengthy treatment and was moved to the burns unit.

His brother, Cameron, was treated for a burn to his right arm, while a family dog sadly died in the fire. Now, his family have shared a photograph of the youngster in hospital to highlight the devastating effects a fire can have. After two months in hospital, Blaine was allowed home and last week visited Peterlee Fire Station to meet some of the firefighters who rescued him that night. Dad Paul said: "This has been the most awful experience of our lives, a living nightmare.

"We have moved into a new home and Blaine will go back to school next month. As we start looking towards the future I thought it would be helpful for Blaine to meet the firefighters who saved him and his brother. To everyone involved in his rescue – thank you so much, there aren’t really words to express our thanks."

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Blaine Beattie is reunited with the firefighters who saved him (CDDFRS / SWNS)

The fire is being treated as suspected arson by police, who arrested a man in his 20s at the time. He has since been bailed. Watch manager Mick Corfield, who was on shift the night of the fire, said firefighters are "always thinking about the people we've helped and wondering how they're getting on".

He added: “With Blaine being so young, and me being a father of two boys, his story really stuck with me. That’s why it was such a pleasure to have him come to the station and see him up and about but, most importantly, smiling.

“His road to recovery is still on-going but everyone at CDDFRS continues to wish him well and will welcome him back to the station with open arms. Looking at the photos of Blaine in hospital is difficult but it serves as a reminder just how dangerous fire is. That’s why will continue to encourage everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes and that people are testing them every week."

Zesha Saleem