WHITE BEAR LAKE— A White Bear Lake teenager is recovering from second- and third-degree burns inflicted when an ice fishing house exploded.

Eighteen-year-old Macen Ellering is facing months of recovery and doctors tell him it could take a year before his skin color is back to normal. The high school senior suffered burns, including damage to his face, in the explosion Friday.

According to a press release, a furnace igniter malfunction is thought to be the cause of the blast that blew up the ice shack and injured Ellering. He was rushed to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Ellering is due to graduate soon if his recovery doesn’t interfere. The teen said he’s just happy he’s still here.