DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ A fire-breather who accidentally set himself ablaze during a South Florida pep rally is recovering.
Doctors say 52-year-old Ricky Charles suffered second-degree burns to his face.
He is expected to be released from the hospital Friday, one day after the accident.
He said he has done the routine safely for 35 years, but Thursday he used a lamp oil he hadn’t practiced with.
Charles was performing before hundreds of students in Atlantic High’s gym.
Video shows Charles suddenly engulfed in flames.
He scrambles to the floor and others come to his aid.
Seven students were briefly hospitalized after breathing fire extinguisher dust.
Their injuries weren’t serious.
Palm Beach County Schools spokeswoman Kathy Burstein said Friday it is against district rules to have indoor pyrotechnics.
An investigation is ongoing.