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10/18/23 blog post

doctors seeing an increase in bonfire burns

stay safe with these fire safety tips

 

As the chilly fall weather settles in to stay, we know it may be appealing to continue enjoying time outside with a campfire or backyard fire pit. However, campfires and fire pits come with an increased risk of burns and great responsibility.

Over the past two months, Dayton Children's has seen an increase in patients admitted to the hospital with serious burns, and others were treated in the emergency department. These injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. 

"We are seeing a large increase in burns related to bonfires, " says Amy Schopperth, trauma program manager. "These injuries include children from toddlers to teenagers falling into the fire while run next to/around the fire pit, the use of accelerant (like lighter fluid) causing the flame to travel and throwing things like aerosol cans into the fire causing an explosion.

Consider these tips to help keep everyone safe around outdoor fires: 

before you start the fire
  • Check the weather conditions and make sure it isn’t too windy to have a fire. Wind can cause the fire to be unpredictable. 
  • Clear brush and debris from around the fire area. 
  • Make sure to have water nearby before you start your fire.  
  • Space seating around 6 feet from the fire.  
  • Do not use accelerant when starting the fire.

while enjoying the fire

  • Supervise all children near the fire pit, don’t allow running near or around the fire.
  • Refrain from throwing trash or other items into the fire, especially items like pressurized cans, or items containing flammable materials.  

at the end of the night

  • Let the fire burn low and wait until all flames are extinguished. 
  • Douse the hot coals with water.  Embers from the pit stay alive for up to 48 hours under the ash and many children are injured walking through a fire pit they think is cold.
  • Ensure all coals are completely out before leaving the fire.  

Remember, supervision is key to enjoying a safe fire. A good way to ensure safety is have one adult keep an eye on the child and anothe oversees the fire.

For more information about fire safety visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/campfires.htm  

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children's please contact:

Katie Solovey
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937-641-3666

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