MADISON, Wis. (WIFR) – UW Health shares tips on avoiding burn injuries ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer.
Dr. Patrick Shahan, a trauma and acute care surgeon at UW Health, says this is the time of year when he sees more burn injuries as outdoor activities such as grilling and bonfires begin for the season.
Dr. Shahan’s biggest tip for preventing burn injuries is to avoid the use of accelerants or any substances that aren’t labeled to help start a fire.
“It can be really dangerous in ways that are extremely unpredictable. So, it’s very easy to get these accelerants either on your clothing or nearby you and you don’t even realize it, such that when you go to ignite a fire or start a grill or something like that, the flame can easily get onto you or your clothing and cause injuries,” Shahan says.
He also recommends thinking about the general safety of the area near the flame, like making sure gas cans or other flammable items are stored far away from the grill.
Also, keep the area clear of any potential tripping hazards like toys, coolers, chairs, sticks or rocks to prevent falls. Children and pets should never be allowed to play near a fire or heat source.
Other fire prevention tips:
- Only burn dry materials.
- Keep outdoor fires away from buildings, fences, overhead wires and trees.
- Do not light fires on windy days.
- Check burn bans with your local fire department.
- If a person is physically unable to move away from a planned fire, appoint someone to help them or reconsider burning.
- Have a bucket of water or garden hose nearby and ready.
- Put the fire out completely before walking away, and never leave a fire unattended.
If a burn injury does occur, Shahan says medical attention is recommended if the burn is bigger than a dime, if skin is coming off or if it’s too painful to be washed.
Initial first aid can include running cool water over the burn, but Shahan warns not to submerge burns in water. He also says to immediately remove any burned clothing or other material that is touching your body.
“The biggest thing is that prevention should be on everybody’s mind here, because once the injury has occurred, it can be extremely painful, it makes what, hopefully everybody was gathering for a fun event, all the sudden not very fun at all, and sometimes even potentially life threatening,” Shahan said.
He encourages people to always take a few moments to look around and make sure its safe before turning on the grill or lighting a fire.
Copyright 2025 WIFR. All rights reserved.
link