I am posting this message to make everyone aware of the extreme danger of children around campfires. This past weekend while camping my daughter tripped and fell into the campfire and received third degree burns to her back, and hands. We have taught our children the dangers of campfires and have always kept a close eye on them but accidents happen in the blink of an eye. I literally turned my back to pour a cup of coffee and it happened, and we are forever scarred physically and mentally. It is one of those things that you are always aware could happen, but you think would never happen to you. It can happen to you and according to the burn unit, it happens all of the time. I couldn't imagine being out in the BWCA and dealing with a burn victim days from help. My wife and I had a trip booked for June 16th-22nd for the BWCA, obviously we will not be making it now.

(((hugs))) I'm so sorry! I'm praying for you!

Growing up I was always told of how my great grandmother lost her 3 year old who fell in a bonfire. The story left a permanent impact on my life and we tell our kids story as well. But thanks for the reminder. Prayers headed your way

I am so sorry your family experienced that - it's one of my nightmares. I'm a broken record getting kids NOT to run around the fire, etc. and clearing a path around the area so no one trips, etc. But I'll be even more vigilant now, thanks to this reminder.

I hope your daughter heals quickly and thoroughly.

Thank you for the very useful reminder, Q.
Prayers for your daughter.

We also didn't allow our kids to play anywhere near the campfire and removed all the tripping hazards far from around the fire. She got up from her chair to move it closer to her brother and stumbled backwards into the fire. One minute they were eating powdered donuts around the fire, the next second she was in the fire. You can take all the precautions in the world and your worst nightmare can still happen. Let's please keep this message to the top of the list so this can be prevented with other children.

Wow, I hope your daughter makes a full recovery. Our prayers are with you.

Thoughts and prayers with you and your daughter. And thanks for the reminder, gonna be taking kids camping this weekend.

All our best for you and your daughter.

So very sorry this happened to your daughter! Yes, accidents can and do happen that fast. I will keep her (and you) in my prayers to heal physically and emotionally from the trauma.

What everyone else has said. All the best to your daughter's healing.

I hope she'll be able to welcome a campfire into her life again as well.

quote Quiviracabin: "We also didn't allow our kids to play anywhere near the campfire and removed all the tripping hazards far from around the fire. She got up from her chair to move it closer to her brother and stumbled backwards into the fire. One minute they were eating powdered donuts around the fire, the next second she was in the fire. You can take all the precautions in the world and your worst nightmare can still happen. Let's please keep this message to the top of the list so this can be prevented with other children."

So sorry to hear of your daughters injuries. Thanks for taking the time to post. We draw a circle around the fire and do not let the kids inside of that line. After a few reminders they are happy to enjoy the fire from where they are (within reach of a roasting stick).
It sounds like you did everything right. Thanks for using this as a reminder to the rest of us.

Terrible accident. My heart goes out to your little girl. I hope she heals quickly with no visible scarring, both physical and mental. This post is a good safety reminder. Thanks.

I'm really sorry to hear about this. :(

I don't know where you live or if her injuries would require it, but certain Shriners Hospitals for Children offer really good burn care. Free. My older daughter goes to the Shriners in Chicago and I cannot say enough good things about it. They do not have a burn center, however.

Looks like the Shriners burn centers are in Boston, Galveston, Cincinnatti, and Northern California. Skin grafting and the developing of engineered skin were first done at Shriners Hospitals. Should your daughter need further care after this initial treatment I personally would look into seeing a Shriners burn specialist. It is probably a big trip...but we twice traveled to Philadelphia from Wisconsin for treatment.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. She had her first of many surgeries on Tuesday. The surgery went better than expected, instead of doing a skin graft the Dr. was able to pull the good skin together over the burn site on her back. So no donor site and less chance of infection.

Thanks for the reminder. Thoughts and prayers for your daughter.

quote nojobro: "I'm really sorry to hear about this. :(


I don't know where you live or if her injuries would require it, but certain Shriners Hospitals for Children offer really good burn care. Free. My older daughter goes to the Shriners in Chicago and I cannot say enough good things about it. They do not have a burn center, however.


Looks like the Shriners burn centers are in Boston, Galveston, Cincinnatti, and Northern California. Skin grafting and the developing of engineered skin were first done at Shriners Hospitals. Should your daughter need further care after this initial treatment I personally would look into seeing a Shriners burn specialist. It is probably a big trip...but we twice traveled to Philadelphia from Wisconsin for treatment.


Best of luck to you."

I have some friends who are Shriners and immediately got a call from the local coordinator wanting to help us. We are keeping that option on the table for the surgeries on her hands, we don't want her to lose any movement in them. The burn on her back was so bad they wanted to do surgery right away and we couldn't justify putting that off and flying to another state. We are in Kansas. Thanks for the suggestion, the Shriners do wonderful things for kids. They offered to fly us for free and no hospital charges.

Great reminder! Glad to hear surgery went well! Best wishes on the recovery!

So sorry to hear about this, I hope she heals up fast. Glad the surgery went well.

your daughter is also in my prayers...im so sorry...

It is tough to even type with this lump in my throat. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, I hope all goes well with her and for Gods sake don't blame yourself accidents do happen no matter how carefull we are

@ Quiviracabin

I'm thinking good thoughts for you and your family and thanks for warning all about the dangers of the common campfire.

quote FOG51: "It is tough to even type with this lump in my throat. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, I hope all goes well with her and for Gods sake don't blame yourself accidents do happen no matter how carefull we are"

It is almost impossible to not blame ourselves, and the first few days we were. We have moved past that point and are focused on just getting her better. Helping get this message out is helping me move forward as well so this trageday can be prevented with other families.

Thanks everyone again for the thoughts and prayers you are sending our way.

I thought about you all the entire weekend. We were camping and I told my kids your story. They prayed for your daughter. Prayers still headed your way

so sorry to read of this. may the healing be fast and lasting.

you have done a great service for all of us by posting this. thank you.

While we're on the subject, also remember to make sure your fire is OUT when you're done enjoying it. Someone I know's daughter got burned falling into the fire pit THE NEXT MORNING when nobody thought it was a danger anymore.

Sorry to hear that. My thoughts are prayers are c you all. We have had some serious burns come into ER during the last few years with young kids and fires. Be very carefull with toddlers around a fire. It happens quick.

Prayers sent.

I'm sorry to hear this story. I'm happy to see you have shifted from blame to focusing on recovery. As a parent I feel how heart-wrenching it can be to watch a child going through a tough time.

I burned my hands as a little girl and still remember...so as an adult my kids are hounded about fires or anything hot for that matter! They sometimes roll their eyes and say I know, I know... but they don't...I tell them, I remember the pain ... you don't! Listen to me!

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!

quote Kendra: "I'm sorry to hear this story. I'm happy to see you have shifted from blame to focusing on recovery. As a parent I feel how heart-wrenching it can be to watch a child going through a tough time.


I burned my hands as a little girl and still remember...so as an adult my kids are hounded about fires or anything hot for that matter! They sometimes roll their eyes and say I know, I know... but they don't...I tell them, I remember the pain ... you don't! Listen to me!


Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!"

Kendra,
Were the burns to your hands third degree and did they have to do skin grafts? If so how are your hands today?

Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers everyone, we are hanging in there. Day 9 in the hospital, can't wait to be able to take my little girl home.

For all of those sending good thoughts and prayers, my daughters name is Brooke. Thank you!

quote tonyyarusso: "While we're on the subject, also remember to make sure your fire is OUT when you're done enjoying it. Someone I know's daughter got burned falling into the fire pit THE NEXT MORNING when nobody thought it was a danger anymore."

Was that in Sartell by chance? Little girl named "Summer"? My wife's cousin's little girl had that happen with 3rd degree burns to her hands.

Her hands healed fine by the way. She needed skin grafts, and they were very concerned about nerve damage. But it has all worked out ok in the end. No noticeable scarring or permanent restriction of movement.

My prayers for Brooke.

WOW. My thoughts are with the little one... Don't be hard on yourself it sounds liek you did everything possibel to keep things safe.

quote analyzer: "Was that in Sartell by chance? Little girl named "Summer"? My wife's cousin's little girl had that happen with 3rd degree burns to her hands. "

No, I think this would have been in Woodbury.

how is Brooke doing?

quote Canoearoo: "how is Brooke doing?"

She is hanging in there the best she can. Today is day 13 in the hospital... She is having another surgery on Monday, hoping everything goes well and we can go home soon. They are thinking that we will be going home sometime around June 10th if everything goes as planned. That is close to the time we were to be in the BW. Thank you so much for asking. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

Prayers through the air.

any updates?

quote Canoearoo: "any updates?"

Thanks for asking. Today was day 19 in the hospital... The surgery went well on Monday. The Dr. grafted a spot on her back and leg. He put an apligraf (bioengineered skin) on her hands that promotes healing, pretty neat stuff. She has another surgery in the morning for her left hand, we are hoping the apligraf did some good and the graft won't have to be that big. We are one day closer to going home and this nightmare being over. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

Im soo sorry to hear about this. I am soo anal about my son around campfires, because I always envisioned this exact thing happening. But as vigilant as you are accidents can still happen and Im sorry this happened to your family . I hope she is recovering ok.

Hope your daughter recovers well. Thanks for posting this reminder on safety. Hope she gets out soon and feels better.

T

The incident seems nearly as unpredictable as a car coming off the street and hitting a person on the sidewalk. Precautions are taken and yet things still happen.
I no longer have a YOUNG daughter to worry about but I do have a young grand-daughter whose parents camp and I shall caution them on camp fires.

Update... Day 20 in the hospital... Surgery went well this morning. They grafted her left hand and regrafted her leg, the graft on Monday didn't take. The graft on her back looks good, and her right hand continues to look better. As long as these grafts take and she continues to heal well, we may be heading home in a week or so.

I hope she continues to heal well. She must be a very strong girl as must you to go through something like this. Thanks for the update. You are in our thoughts.

The other thing to remember is that severe burns are not limited to open flames and campfires. Boiling water and hot oil are equally, if not more dangerous than campfires.

A good friend's daughter narrowly avoided similar injuries during a backyard fish fry a few years ago. I shudder to think about what might have happened if that full pot of oil had hit her.

I hope your daughter continues to heal and progress. Best wishes to your entire family.

quote Quiviracabin: "Update... Day 20 in the hospital... Surgery went well this morning. They grafted her left hand and regrafted her leg, the graft on Monday didn't take. The graft on her back looks good, and her right hand continues to look better. As long as these grafts take and she continues to heal well, we may be heading home in a week or so. "

Thank you for the updates; please keep them coming. I pray for her and your family daily.

Thinking of you.

quote Ingvald: "The other thing to remember is that severe burns are not limited to open flames and campfires. Boiling water and hot oil are equally, if not more dangerous than campfires.


A good friend's daughter narrowly avoided similar injuries during a backyard fish fry a few years ago. I shudder to think about what might have happened if that full pot of oil had hit her.


I hope your daughter continues to heal and progress. Best wishes to your entire family."

Being in the burn unit for three weeks now, we have seen lots of children and adults come and go. A little boy was in here last week that grabbed a pan of hot soup on the stove and got 2nd degree burns to half of his body. He looked pretty bad but thankfully just 2nd degree and he went home in 4 or 5 days with no permanent damage.

Yay! After 25 days in the hospital and 3 surgeries, we are finally going home tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the good thoughts and prayers. Catch some fish and enjoy the scenery for me this year, and I will be back to the BW next year.

Prayers for the speediest recovery possible for Brooke, and for the rest of the family as well. It may seem inappropriate..but stop beating yourself up. Somethings, as parents, we simply can't failsafe. Sadly, things happen. : (
Hopefully she will grow into a fine young woman that passes down a love for the BW to her children as well, despite this incident.

quote Quiviracabin: "Yay! After 25 days in the hospital and 3 surgeries, we are finally going home tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for the good thoughts and prayers. Catch some fish and enjoy the scenery for me this year, and I will be back to the BW next year."

So happy to hear this great news! Congrats on getting to go home with your girl. Best wishes for Brooke and all of your family during this difficult time of recovery.

yes! I'm so happy for you guys! We will keep praying.. keep us updated

quote toonces300: "Prayers for the speediest recovery possible for Brooke, and for the rest of the family as well. It may seem inappropriate..but stop beating yourself up. Somethings, as parents, we simply can't failsafe. Sadly, things happen. : (
Hopefully she will grow into a fine young woman that passes down a love for the BW to her children as well, despite this incident."

well stated.

Well if things would have went as planned, we would have been about 3 lakes and 2 portages in at this time. Next year can't come fast enough.

Im so glad to hear that your going to be at home. Thank God she didnt fall face first into the fire, and the damage that she did sustain is manageable. Things like this are a parents worst nightmare, and I just hope you know that this could have happened to anyone of us and that you shouldnt blame yourself for what happened.

how is home life going for her?

quote Canoearoo: "how is home life going for her?"

Home is so much better than the hospital for all of us. Unfortunately she has a spot on her leg that isn't getting any better on it's own. If it doesn't look better by next Tuesday we will be back in the hospital for another surgery. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, this is a long and painful process.

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "how is home life going for her?"

Home is so much better than the hospital for all of us. Unfortunately she has a spot on her leg that isn't getting any better on it's own. If it doesn't look better by next Tuesday we will be back in the hospital for another surgery. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, this is a long and painful process."

How is the leg?

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. A speedy recovery for your daughter.

++1

We just got back a couple of weeks ago from the BWCA with my Dad, Brother, and his two kids (Boy - 6, Girl -9). We had this happen to us. We had our pot of dish water tucked under a log bench (out of reach we thought) while my brother and his boy were playing the boy somehow stepped in the pot (freshly taken of the campfire - Boiling).

Luckily my brother snatched him up and ran down to the lake and dunked his foot in the water. He received 2nd degree burns on his foot above the shoe line. Also lucky, Dad is a Veterinarian and he packs the First Aide Kit. He quickly got him medicated and bandaged.

All things thankfully turned out just fine. We did a very valuable lesson - Don't play around the fire/kitchen area, Don't put anything for cooking (coffee pot/water pot/saute pan, etc) in a place that can injure someone.

I am thankful that your daughter is doing better and will use her story to keep kids that we camp with in tune with the dangers of fire.

quote Canoearoo: "

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "how is home life going for her?"

Home is so much better than the hospital for all of us. Unfortunately she has a spot on her leg that isn't getting any better on it's own. If it doesn't look better by next Tuesday we will be back in the hospital for another surgery. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, this is a long and painful process."

How is the leg?"

Her leg is doing really good. The doctor gave us the option of having surgery or not, we chose not. It will be two weeks since the last appointment and the scab is now smaller than a dime. She is back terrorizing the cat, running and jumping all over the place as if nothing ever happened. It is amazing how fast Kids recover. She will have to have surgeries on her hands as she grows, but we will cross that road later. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers everyone.

quote dprochef: "++1


We just got back a couple of weeks ago from the BWCA with my Dad, Brother, and his two kids (Boy - 6, Girl -9). We had this happen to us. We had our pot of dish water tucked under a log bench (out of reach we thought) while my brother and his boy were playing the boy somehow stepped in the pot (freshly taken of the campfire - Boiling).


Luckily my brother snatched him up and ran down to the lake and dunked his foot in the water. He received 2nd degree burns on his foot above the shoe line. Also lucky, Dad is a Veterinarian and he packs the First Aide Kit. He quickly got him medicated and bandaged.


All things thankfully turned out just fine. We did a very valuable lesson - Don't play around the fire/kitchen area, Don't put anything for cooking (coffee pot/water pot/saute pan, etc) in a place that can injure someone.


I am thankful that your daughter is doing better and will use her story to keep kids that we camp with in tune with the dangers of fire.
"

I'm glad your nephew is ok, it is scary how fast accidents can happen.

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "how is home life going for her?"

Home is so much better than the hospital for all of us. Unfortunately she has a spot on her leg that isn't getting any better on it's own. If it doesn't look better by next Tuesday we will be back in the hospital for another surgery. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, this is a long and painful process."

How is the leg?"

Her leg is doing really good. The doctor gave us the option of having surgery or not, we chose not. It will be two weeks since the last appointment and the scab is now smaller than a dime. She is back terrorizing the cat, running and jumping all over the place as if nothing ever happened. It is amazing how fast Kids recover. She will have to have surgeries on her hands as she grows, but we will cross that road later. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers everyone. "

Great news! That photo makes me smile!

What a precious little sweetheart! Glad to hear she's doing well. Thanks for the update.

It hurt my heart when I learned what happened to your baby. I could only breath a sigh of relief at hearing this recent good news. So glad she's home now. I hope her pain has gone away.

quote gutmon: "

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "

quote Quiviracabin: "

quote Canoearoo: "how is home life going for her?"

Home is so much better than the hospital for all of us. Unfortunately she has a spot on her leg that isn't getting any better on it's own. If it doesn't look better by next Tuesday we will be back in the hospital for another surgery. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming, this is a long and painful process."

How is the leg?"

Her leg is doing really good. The doctor gave us the option of having surgery or not, we chose not. It will be two weeks since the last appointment and the scab is now smaller than a dime. She is back terrorizing the cat, running and jumping all over the place as if nothing ever happened. It is amazing how fast Kids recover. She will have to have surgeries on her hands as she grows, but we will cross that road later. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers everyone. "

Great news! That photo makes me smile!"

+1

Praise the Lord! I'm so happy she has recovered so quickly. Thank you for keeping us updated. Please let us know as time goes on when we need to pray again :)

Update... The surgeon told us a few weeks ago that Brooke's burns are looking really good and they don't think we will have any more surgeries! Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers for her. A special thanks to Canoearoo who has kept thinking of us and requesting updates. I see a trip to the BWCA in our future.

That is great news! :)

Hope the ordeal becomes more distant for all of you.

Praise God I'm so happy for you! Thank you for the updates!

Truly good news! Much to be thankful for!

I grew up with a kid who sustained 3rd degree burns over 60% of his body when his PJs caught fire as a small child. He had grafts and surgeries but he was a very happy, well adjusted kid, who was good at sports and did all the things that the other kids in the neighborhood did (for better or worse, LOL!). As an adult, he is now married, with kids, great job, etc.

I just know that Brooke will be fine. Our prayers for her speedy recovery!

quote Canoearoo: "Praise God I'm so happy for you! Thank you for the updates!"

+1

quote jamotrade: "I grew up with a kid who sustained 3rd degree burns over 60% of his body when his PJs caught fire as a small child. He had grafts and surgeries but he was a very happy, well adjusted kid, who was good at sports and did all the things that the other kids in the neighborhood did (for better or worse, LOL!). As an adult, he is now married, with kids, great job, etc.


I just know that Brooke will be fine. Our prayers for her speedy recovery!"

Have I met you before jamotrade? You just described me to a "T". That same unbelievable ordeal happened to me when I was 3 years old. My PJs caught on fire and I sustained 3rd degree burns under my left arm, chest, and back. I began a life of being a normal 5 year old by the time all the grafts and surgeries were complete. Needless to say Quiveracabin, you can be assured that Brooke will be fine. With strong parents like yourself, she is in good hands. My life turned out to be amazing and so will Brooke's. Its great to hear the good news and God bless you all.

What a sweet smile! I started reading this not realizing that it was 9 months ago. Great to hear the news.

quote Quiviracabin: "Update... The surgeon told us a few weeks ago that Brooke's burns are looking really good and they don't think we will have any more surgeries! Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers for her. A special thanks to Canoearoo who has kept thinking of us and requesting updates. I see a trip to the BWCA in our future."

Yeah!!!

Great to hear, what an ordeal. Wonderful to hear that things are looking up.