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DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on a fire-breather who accidentally set himself on fire at a Florida high school pep rally (all times local):
12:30 p.m.
A Florida school official says common sense should have prevailed before allowing a fire-breather to perform indoors at a high school pep rally.
Palm Beach County schools Superintendent Robert Avossa said Friday it's a "problem" when fire is used inside a building.
Doctors say 52-year-old fire-breather Ricky Charles suffered second-degree burns to his face, arm and thigh in Thursday's accident.
Charles was performing before hundreds of students in Atlantic High's gym. Video shows Charles suddenly engulfed in flames. He scrambles to the floor and others come to his aid. Seven students were briefly hospitalized after breathing fire extinguisher dust. Their injuries weren't serious.
The district's investigation is ongoing and no employees have been disciplined so far.
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10:45 a.m.
A fire-breather who accidentally set himself ablaze during a South Florida pep rally is recovering.
Doctors say 52-year-old Ricky Charles suffered second-degree burns to his face. He is expected to be released from the hospital Friday, one day after the accident. He said he has done the routine safely for 35 years, but Thursday he used a lamp oil he hadn't practiced with.
Charles was performing before hundreds of students in Atlantic High's gym. Video shows Charles suddenly engulfed in flames. He scrambles to the floor and others come to his aid. Seven students were briefly hospitalized after breathing fire extinguisher dust. Their injuries weren't serious.
Palm Beach County Schools spokeswoman Kathy Burstein said Friday it is against district rules to have indoor pyrotechnics. An investigation is ongoing.
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