A mom of 2 is lucky to be alive after her backyard fireplace exploded at a birthday party. She had been celebrating her 50th birthday. But the Australian native thought it was going to be her last.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The incident happened in 2022. But 53-year-old Adele Tamati is still living with the effects of that fateful day. Speaking with The U.S. Sun, she credits her son with saving her life.
"Suddenly, a stream of flames flew towards me. There was a large bang. I realized I was on fire. It was all a blur," she said. "I immediately remembered 'stop drop and roll' as I was first aid trained from work, but I was covered in accelerant. It wouldn't go out."
Her son, Dene Fowler, grabbed some dog blankets to try to put out the flames. But the fire wouldn't go out. He then urged her to jump into the backyard pool. "I listened and made it to the pool gate, but I slipped onto my side. Then, I felt Dene boot me into the water," she said. "As I hit the water, I felt instant relief. I was gasping for air, thankful I was alive."
Backyard Fireplace Exploded
Her son then jumped into the pool as well to help her.
"But as I looked down, I saw my arms were melting off. My skin was everywhere, floating on the water. ... I saw he looked traumatized, but he was also staying strong and calm for me," she said. "He said, 'Don't look, mum,' and made me close my eyes, protecting me from it."
The mom of 2 had been trying to relight the backyard fireplace when it exploded.
"I told everyone that I'll top it up. I poured a bottle of ethanol onto the artificial stones in the little wells," she said. Ultimately, she suffered third-degree burns to much of her upper body.
"In that moment, I thought I was going to die," she said. "But thanks to my amazing son, I'm alive. I'm also here today because of me — I'm a warrior and a survivor."
The past few years have involved surgeries, skin grafts, and physical therapy.
"After that, I struggled adjusting to my new reality. Before the accident, I'd always worn makeup when leaving the house. But I knew I'd never look like myself again," she said. "I've been doing things each burniversary for myself. I did a photo shoot to show off my scars. I ran for a burns charity. I even set up a local burns community group."
