West Point — Family and friends have confirmed the identity of the 12-year-old boy who died in an outdoor fire explosion earlier this week as Trayson Porter.
According to the North Davis Fire District, Trey accidentally caused an explosion Monday afternoon in the area of 5000 W. 5000 W. West Point when he brought a gas can near a backyard fire pit.
Family friends, who requested anonymity, said the boy was just trying to make hot dogs. Her mother, Holly Porter, didn't realize the boy was outside until the fire started.
North Davis Fire District Fire Chief Mark Becraft said the boy poured gasoline into the fire, causing the explosion.
“If you pour it directly onto a fire, it will flow upstream to the cannon and explode,” Becraft said. “We're still investigating, but I think that's probably what happened, because it looked like he was completely engulfed in flames and that would be the fuse.”
Fire officials said Holly Porter rushed to help Trey, but she was also seriously injured. Trayson suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50 to 80 percent of her body.
Fire officials said the fire was out by the time they arrived at the home, but they found two victims in critical condition. Trayson later died at Primary Children's Hospital.
“Trayson was kind and friendly to everyone. He wasn't one to argue. He was the go-to guy for math and was always excited to share his answers. Everyone loved him and we all will miss him,” Trayson Principal Marjorie Conrad of West Point Elementary School said in a statement to KSL.
Davis School District spokesman Christopher Williams said the district's crisis response team held counseling meetings and small grief groups with students at the schools as needed. Williams said all of the students who were seen contacted their parents.
another incident
This incident is the second fire incident involving a young person in the past week.
On February 10, another 12-year-old boy accidentally set his foot on fire when he poured gas on a campfire during the Hurricane Valley Fire District, according to the Hurricane Valley Fire District.
The boy survived with second- and third-degree burns on 8 percent of his body, mainly on his legs and feet.
He was taken to a burn unit in Las Vegas for treatment.
“This is a tragedy for families, and we can see how easily it could happen again if we don't get the prevention message out to families, parents and young children,” Becraft said.
Fire officials have warned against using gasoline as it is highly flammable.
“Gasoline is not meant to start a fire,” Becraft said.
When used properly, Beacraft said lighter fluid is safe against outdoor fires and ignitions. Parents are encouraged to teach children how to stop, drop, and roll in case of a fire.
A great video on Stop, Drop, and Roll from the San Jose Fire Department:
As for the Porters, family friends said they have been through some hardships in recent years. Holly was in a horse riding accident 10 years ago, and his house burned down seven years ago.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family.
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12-year-old boy dies after campfire explodes at West Point; mother taken to hospital
