FIREFIGHTERS are warning parents to be vigilant after a 13-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital with severe burns to his chest and legs.

The youngster was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital and two of his friends were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, also suffering from burns.

It is thought that the boys built a fire in fields close to the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, in Clayton-le-Moors.

Fire officers think that a can of paint in the fire exploded and sprayed the boys.

Great Harwood officers attended the scene, as well as the Lancashire Air Ambulance.

Station Officer, Steve Cope said: "Children will be children and many have a fascination with fire, but parents have got to be vigilant and know what their kids are doing.

"Putting anything on a fire, even stones or bricks, can lead to an explosion, which puts firefighters and passers-by at risk from injury.

"There have been incidents in the past where people have been killed and it is only eight years since a firefighter from Darwen was seriously injured by an exploding cylinder. His injuries were so severe, he was retired from the force."

Mr Cope said he had a message for any children considering building a fire: "Just don't do it. It's simple -- don't start fires, they are highly dangerous and can kill."