Donald Awalt’s Halloween costume was allegedly lit on fire by a fellow student.

ELLSWORTH (AP) – A student whose costume was set afire during an assembly at Ellsworth High School was in serious condition Friday as a classmate remained in custody awaiting a court appearance.

Donald Awalt, 14, was upgraded after initially being listed in critical condition at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Awalt’s costume burst into flames Thursday morning after a 15-year-old boy touched it with a lighter as part of a prank, police said. Awalt suffered burns on his legs, his back and the back of his head.

His homemade soldier costume was made of camouflage material covered with netting and leaves held in place with hairspray, students said.

“It was like a huge fireball,” sophomore Ryan Glass said.

At the Boston hospital, Dr. Dennis Orgill said Friday that Awalt “was quite sick when he came in yesterday and we’re happy to report his condition has improved somewhat.”

Orgill said that in general, two big issues they face with any burn patient is getting enough fluids into the victim and dealing with smoke inhalation.

The boy accused of starting the fire was charged with reckless conduct, aggravated assault and arson. The boy, whose name was not released, remained in custody Friday at a youth detention center in Charleston.

The event unfolded as about 500 students packed the gymnasium for “Spook Day,” an event in which students compete for best costume, fanciest jack o’ lantern and most elaborate decorations.

Witnesses said the 15-year-old lighted the costume from behind. Police said his comment was, “I wonder if this will burn.”

Superintendent Jack Turcotte said lighters and matches aren’t allowed on school grounds. He said it would be impossible to keep such items from ever getting into the school, however.

“They’re not supposed to be there,” Turcotte said. “When we find them, we take them away.”

Police Lt. Harold Page said the boy who started the fire didn’t mean to hurt anyone. He was expected to appear Monday morning in Ellsworth District Court.

AP-ES-10-31-03 1900EST