How to avoid fire pit and barbecue burns

Every summer, the UCI Health Regional Burn Center treats dozens of people for injuries from fire pits, campfires and barbecues. Most of them are children.

But these burns aren’t always caused by flames. They also happen long after the fire has been put out.

In fact, that’s when the real danger begins, says Dr. Syed F. Saquib, medical director of the only burn center in Orange County verified by the American Burn Association.

Campfires, fire pits and barbecues can smolder for up to 24 hours, insulated by the sand or dirt commonly used to put them out.

“These accidents are preventable,” Saquib says.

Reducing fire pit burn risk

The No. 1 tip is to prevent these injuries is being aware of your environment and keeping kids away from any potential source of fire especially one a child may mistake for a sandbox.

“Establish a safe zone for kids and pets,” he urges. “Treat a fire pit or barbecue the same way you would treat a pool when children are around.”

Other tips include:

• Don’t bury hot charcoal or wood in sand, which locks in heat.
• Extinguish coals by drenching them in water twice, five minutes apart. If no water is available, let the coals burn out without burying them.
• Even if you can’t see a flame or smoke, always assume that a fire pit, barbecue or campfire is hot enough to cause a serious burn.

Treating a burn

If a burn should occur, never put ice on it, Saquib says. Instead, rinse the burn with cool water for up to 10 minutes, then cover it with a cool washcloth or towel.

Go to an emergency room for any burn larger than the palm of your hand or one that affects the face, eyes, feet or genitalia.

“If you’re in doubt about whether to get care or not, you should probably see a doctor out of an abundance of caution.”