PERTH, AUSTRALIA — What began as a milestone 50th birthday celebration turned into a life-altering tragedy for Adele Tamati when a backyard ethanol fireplace exploded, engulfing the mother of two in flames. The 2022 incident, which Tamati is now sharing in detail, highlights the volatile nature of bio-ethanol fuel and the split-second heroism of her son, Dene Fowler, who saved her life.
A Celebration Turned Catastrophe
The accident occurred during a party at Tamati’s Perth residence. Attempting to relight an outdoor ethanol fireplace that had seemingly extinguished, Tamati began pouring a bottle of accelerant onto the unit’s artificial stones.
“Suddenly, a stream of flames flew towards me. There was a large bang. I realized I was on fire,” Tamati, a 53-year-old student services support officer, recalled. Despite her workplace first-aid training and attempts to “stop, drop, and roll,” the accelerant-soaked flames proved impossible to smother.
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Heroic Intervention in the Face of Horror
As traditional methods failed, Tamati’s son, Dene Fowler, then 21, took decisive action. After unsuccessfully attempting to douse the flames with dog blankets, Fowler realized the only hope for his mother was the backyard pool.
When Tamati collapsed at the pool gate, Fowler physically forced her into the water to extinguish the chemical fire. The aftermath was immediate and visceral.
“As I looked down, I saw my arms were melting off. My skin was everywhere, floating on the water,” Tamati said.
Fowler remained composed, instructing his mother to close her eyes to shield her from the sight of her own injuries while they awaited emergency services.
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The Long Road to Recovery
Tamati sustained third-degree burns across her face, neck, chest, torso, back, and limbs. Her treatment at a local trauma center involved a grueling series of procedures, including:
- Multiple skin graft surgeries.
- Experimental “spray-on” skin applications (which were ultimately unsuccessful).
- Intensive physical therapy to regain the use of her hands.
- Treatment for recurring infections during a five-week hospitalization.
The emotional toll was equally significant. “My beauty had been robbed, and I felt like a disfigured monster,” Tamati admitted, reflecting on the first time she saw her injuries without bandages.
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Advocacy and New Beginnings
In the years since the explosion, Tamati has transitioned from a victim to an advocate. She has founded a local burns community group and participates in “burniversary” events to raise funds for charity. Her journey reached a personal milestone on New Year’s Eve 2024, when she married her partner, Dion Tamati.
Medical experts and fire safety officials continue to warn against the dangers of refilling ethanol burners while they are still warm or lit, as “flashback” explosions can occur when vapors ignite inside the fuel bottle.
