TURNER – A 7-year-old boy died and two other children were seriously burned Sunday morning after diesel fuel used to start a fire in a wood stove exploded.

Riley Davis died at Maine Medical Center in Portland after suffering burns to more than 70 percent of his body, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for Maine’s Department of Public Safety.

Brandon Birney, 11, and his sister, Bradi Birney, 8, suffered serious burns in the blowback from the inflammable liquid, McCausland said. All three children were showered with flames when the fuel exploded, he said.

Deb Allen, assistant superintendent of schools at SAD 52, said Riley was a second-grader at Turner Primary School. She said school officials will be meeting today to discuss how to respond to the tragedy.

After Sunday’s fire, Davis and the Birney siblings were rushed to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for initial treatment. Davis and Brandon Birney were later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland for additional burn treatment.

The fire happened in the basement of an enclosed foundation owned by Bradley and Bobbi Birney located on Betty Road. McCausland said the family lives in a mobile home next door to the enclosed foundation.

There was little fire damage, McCausland said.

He said Riley Davis is related to the Birneys but it wasn’t clear what their relationship was.

Turner firefighters declined to comment on the blaze, referring inquiries to state authorities.

The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office said flammable liquid should never be used to start a fire in a wood stove because of the possibility of the fuel exploding.

Fire officials strongly recommend using newspapers and kindling to start a fire in a stove.