In a shocking incident that unfolded at a backyard barbecue in Bridgwater, Somerset, 31-year-old Joe Johnstone experienced a terrifying moment when a fire-breathing trick went horribly wrong, resulting in severe burns to his face. The accident happened on April 7 when a sudden gust of wind caused Joe’s beard to ignite while performing in front of a crowd, including children who had asked him to demonstrate his skills.
Joe, a self-taught fire-breather who had not practiced his craft for two years, began by spinning a lit fire staff and then attempted the classic fire-breathing stunt – blowing a flammable liquid toward the flame to create a dramatic stream of fire. Unfortunately, the flames were unexpectedly blown back into his face, immediately setting his beard ablaze.
Videos capturing the horrifying moment show Joe’s head engulfed in flames as he collapses to the ground clutching his face in agony. His friends rushed to extinguish the fire and helped him rinse off under a cold shower while awaiting emergency medical services.
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Rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, Joe underwent intense treatment where doctors painstakingly removed the dead and melted skin from his face—a procedure he described as the worst pain he had ever endured, required every four hours during his hospital stay. After seven days in the hospital, Joe was discharged but remains determined to continue fire-breathing despite the traumatic experience.
Reflecting on the event, Joe remarked, “I’ve done this a million times. We were just having a barbecue when the kids asked me to show off again. I said I was rusty because I hadn’t done it in a couple of years. Then the wind blew the flame back in my face—it was that simple.” He emphasized the importance of staying calm during the crisis, saying, “My brain went into survival mode. I wasn’t thinking about pain, only how to put the fire out.”
Joe’s passion for fire-breathing began eight years ago after seeing performers at festivals and underground raves. Despite the accident, his enthusiasm remains unshaken. “I’m lucky to be alive. I can still taste, smell, talk, and see,” he shared. He posted clips of the ordeal on social media to raise awareness about the dangers involved and commented, “I like staring death in the face. Nothing will scare me now.”
Returning to his fiery art will come with heightened caution. Joe plans to check wind conditions thoroughly, keep safety measures like water buckets handy, and prepare meticulously for every performance. He proudly calls himself a “fire warrior,” ready to face whatever comes next.