Firefighter condemns burns victims' actions

The Fire Service has condemned the actions of three people who were injured after pouring accelerant on a bonfire this afternoon.

Woodend Chief Fire Officer Murray Lamb said the trio suffered burns after pouring accelerant over a large burning pile of tree clippings on Tuahiwi Road, Tuahiwi, north of Christchurch, around 4.20pm.

They were taken to Christchurch Hospital, one with serious burns and the other two with moderate to serious burns.

"It's a very clear warning to people not to light rubbish fires with any type of accelerant," Mr Lamb said.

"It's a very sad situation."

- NZPA