Firepits Pose Burn Dangers

(July 1, 2008) - Backyard barbecues and beach bonfires are beloved summer activities across the country, but they also put people - especially children - at risk of painful, long-term injury. (Read about "Burn Prevention") Experts are urging extra caution with the use and cleanup of firepits or barbecues at the beach and at campsites. "We're seeing approximately two dozen firepit injuries each year," said Dr. Marianne Cinat. "And all of these accidents are preventable."

Cinat has noticed more burns as camping and backyard firepits have become more popular. About half of the injuries treated at her hospital occur at the beach; most involve children 6 and younger who crawl or fall into firepits.

Cinat says that there are some simple and crucial steps adults can take to lessen the risk of firepit burn injuries.

• Don't bury hot charcoals in sand. While sand might extinguish the flames, coals can smolder for up to 24 hours. Sand locks in heat, making smoldering coals even hotter. Worse yet, sand-covered coals cannot be seen, making them even more dangerous to children who may look at a firepit as a sand box. Cinat recommends that coals be extinguished by drenching them in water, waiting five minutes and drenching them again. If water is not available, simply let the coals burn out. The most risk occurs when hot coals are buried in the sand, creating a hidden danger.
• Be aware of your environment, especially with children around. Treat firepits as you would a pool or anything else dangerous and exercise similar caution around them. Be wary of embers that spark from firepits. Even if it appears as if it has not been used recently, always assume there are hot coals or embers at the bottom of a firepit.
• If injured, don't put ice on the skin. Ice can cause skin damage, especially to children, whose skin is thinner than adults. Wash the burn with cool water for up to 10 minutes. For a small area, put a cool washcloth on it; with a larger burn, a cool towel can lower body temperature. Take the burn victim immediately to the nearest emergency room. (Read about "Emergency Room")