Damien Brown update after backyard inferno

A father left fighting for life after a backyard fire went wrong has received a mixed bag of news after surviving the blaze, with doctors fearing he may lose an eye and suffer lasting conditions.

Damien Brown has received good and grim news from doctors. Picture: Supplied

A father left fighting for life after a backyard fire went wrong has received a mixed bag of news after surviving the blaze, with doctors fearing he may lose an eye and suffer lasting conditions.

Damien Brown, 34, suffered life-threatening burns to most of his body about 6.50pm Monday, shortly after arriving home from work.

The father-of-three, who has ties to the South Coast, was adding branches to a backyard burn-off when flames suddenly engulfed him from the knees up.

His fiancee, Britney Wilesmith, watched in horror as her brother — a former RFS volunteer — extinguished the flames before paramedics rushed Mr Brown to The Alfred Hospital in Victoria.

He was placed in an induced coma and has since undergone multiple surgeries.

Damien Brown was engulfed in flames on Monday. Picture: Supplied

Ms Wilesmith’s cousin, Michael Wilesmith, who lives in Nowra and previously spoke to this publication about the immediate trauma, said doctors now believed the young father would pull through.

“It’s looking promising,” he said.

The update comes after a dire prognosis on Tuesday, when doctors feared he “may not make it”.

While the news has brought relief, Mr Wilesmith warned the road ahead remained uncertain.

“They believe if he does survive, he is going to have disabilities, especially in his arms,” he said.

“The biggest threat to his life is infection, but I’m waiting on updates.

“The doctors said the damage is extreme and it also looks like he could lose an eye.”

Mr Brown also suffered damage to his lungs, oesophagus, and major injuries to his hands and arms.

The update comes after he received skin grafts using tissue from his back — one of the few areas left untouched by the fire.

“It’s just devastating,” Mr Wilesmith said.

“He just had a little girl, and my cousin and Damien were due to get married soon.”

A GoFundMe has been launched by Mr Wilesmith at the request of relatives to support the family through what is expected to be a long recovery.

Thousands have been raised in just days.

“If anyone deserves to have a fighting chance at life after turning his life around, it is him,” Mr Wilesmith said.

“We are proud to say he is one of us and is a deeply special and beloved member of the family.”

Mr Brown is expected to remain in hospital for a lengthy period.

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Originally published as Damien Brown update after backyard inferno