Fire safety experts announce statewide program to prevent camp fire injuries, forest fires

Accompanied by Smokey the Bear, burn and fire safety experts today announced a statewide program to prevent camp fire injuries and forest fires. The median age of camp fire victims is two years old and many injuries happen long after the fire is thought to be extinguished. Experts say most of the incidents are predictable and preventable.

“People assume that the flame from a campfire or fire pit is where the danger lies, but 70 percent of these burns in kids are due to falling into the embers rather than the flames”

The program includes free fire safety activity books for the children at all 70 state parks this summer and a website with interactive "Survival Adventure" games. Regions Hospital Burn Center's Healing Education and Training (HEAT) program also provides safety tips and games for children to reduce the injury, death, and property loss due to juvenile set fires. Log on to: www.theheatteam.com and www.smokeybear.com.

William Mohr, HealthPartners MD and director of Regions Burn Center, said Regions treats an average of 10 kids every year for serious campfire burns. He said many burns happen the day after the flames have died down because campers don't realize embers remain very hot for many hours.

"People assume that the flame from a campfire or fire pit is where the danger lies, but 70 percent of these burns in kids are due to falling into the embers rather than the flames," said Dr. Mohr. "Sixteen hours after stoking a fire, the core temperature is still greater than 250 degrees Fahrenheit."

Dr. Mohr also had these reminders:

• Keep kids at least three feet away from campfires. Use an extra-long stick to roast marshmallows.
• Don't treat burns with ice or butter. Cool water is the best immediate treatment.
• The majority of campfire injuries occur in children less than 7 years old and nearly all preventable.

The fire safety program is a partnership of the Minnesota FAIR Plan, the Regions Hospital Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota FAIR Plan provides limited property insurance when coverage is not available from the private market.