Father Damien Brown with South Coast roots fights for life after tragic backyard fire burns him knees to head

A young father with South Coast roots is fighting for life, after a horror backyard fire left him with life threatening burns across his entire body.

Damien Brown is fighting for life in a Victoria hospital. Picture: Supplied

A young Indigenous father of three with roots to the NSW South Coast, is fighting for life after a catastrophic accident left him engulfed in flames – with doctors devastatingly unsure if the “beautiful man” will survive.

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

Mr Brown was adding branches to a backyard burn-off when the fire flared up, burning him from knees to head.

His fiancee, Britney Wilesmith, watched on in horror as her brother - a former RFS volunteer - extinguished the flames before emergency services transported Mr Brown to The Alfred Hospital in Victoria.

Later that night, he was placed in an induced coma, where he remains as he awaits emergency surgery.

Damien Brown was severely burnt weeks after having a little girl. Picture: Supplied

Ms Wilesmith’s Nowra cousin, Michael Wilesmith, told this publication doctors tragically did not know if the “beautiful father” would pull through.

“He’s extremely burnt,” he said.

“They are going to perform emergency surgery to try and save his life from severe infections.”

Skin grafts will also be taken from unburnt areas on Mr Brown’s back.

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

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

To support the family through what is expected to be a long recovery, Mr Wilesmith launched a GoFundMe at the request of Ms Wilesmith and other relatives.

He said donations would help the family stay afloat, describing the South Coast “warrior” as their sole breadwinner.

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

“The difference this beautiful human being, this man, has made to our whole family; we are proud to say he is one of us and is a deeply special and beloved member of the family.”

Roughly $2000 has been raised within hours, with a $50,000 goal for Mr Brown’s “beautiful family”.

All funds will go towards supporting his fiancee, three children, and long journey to recovery.

“Damien had a rough life, but he’s turned it around and has become a very respected member of our family and our community,” Mr Wilesmith said.

“He’s going to fight, but we want to help him.”

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