TWIN FALLS COUNTY, IDAHO — What was meant to be a joyful evening of making s’mores turned into a horrifying nightmare for an Idaho family after a freak accident left a father with third-degree burns and fighting for his life.
On the evening of April 1, Robert Thompson, a father of two from Twin Falls County, was hosting a casual backyard bonfire with his partner, Kimberly Graybeal, and their two young daughters. The family was preparing to roast marshmallows when tragedy struck.
“He went to go start the fire and realized he didn’t have any fire starter,” Kimberly told East Idaho News. “So he just grabbed the gas can that we have.”
According to Graybeal, the moment gasoline made contact with the fire pit, there was an explosive reaction. Flames engulfed Thompson’s upper body almost instantly.
“Robert was on the ground rolling, screaming for his life,” she recalled, visibly shaken. “He kept screaming, ‘I’m dying! Please help me!’ I’ll never forget that sound.”
Severe Injuries and a Race Against Time
Thompson suffered third-degree burns across his chest, arms, and neck. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors made the decision to place him in a medically induced coma due to the severity of his injuries and to ease his pain.
He remains in critical condition, with doctors closely monitoring for signs of infection and organ failure—common complications in burn victims of this magnitude.
A GoFundMe page has since been created by family friends to help cover the mounting medical bills and support Kimberly and the children during this difficult time.
A Reminder of the Dangers of Improper Fire Use
Fire officials urge the public to never use gasoline or similar accelerants to start bonfires or grills. Gasoline vapors are extremely flammable and can travel long distances before igniting, causing unpredictable explosions.
“Using gasoline for recreational fires is incredibly dangerous,” said a spokesperson for the Twin Falls Fire Department. “Even a small mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences.”
Community Support Grows
As Robert fights for his life, the community has rallied behind his family. Messages of support and prayers have flooded social media, and local churches and neighbors have offered help with meals, childcare, and emotional support.
“We’re just trying to stay strong for Robert,” Kimberly said. “Our daughters keep asking when Daddy’s coming home. I tell them he’s fighting very hard.”
The family is urging others to learn from this tragedy and practice extreme caution around fire.