Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Barbecuing on the grill, making s’mores over a fire pit and sitting around a campfire are all great ways to spend quality time outdoors in the summertime.  But it’s important to remember any fire can cause serious injuries to children. In fact, summer is the season when there is an increase in emergency room visits due to fire and burn injuries. Safe Kids Kansas and the Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) remind families to take simple steps to make sure your summer is a safe one.

Data from 2020 through 2024 shows that as summer approaches, there is an increase in the number of unintentional fire and burn emergency department visits in Kansas. The percentage of emergency department visits nearly doubled during this period compared to winter months. The highest number of emergency department visits occurred in July.

“Summertime is full of family traditions that may include fire, such as grilling outdoors or telling spooky stories while roasting hotdogs over a campfire,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Be fire smart when you head outdoors. Never leave a fire unattended and be prepared to take extra safety precautions when you may be far from a water source.”

Follow these fire safety tips:

• Actively supervise children around all fires and fireworks. Your safest option is to attend a public fireworks show and leave it to the professionals.

• Teach kids how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

• Create a three-feet child and pet-free safety zone around any fire pit, chiminea or grill.

• Only use grills outdoors. Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and away from any overhanging eaves, branches or deck railings.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup to prevent flare-ups.

• Dispose of coals after they cool off in a metal can.

• Keep plenty of water nearby and have a shovel for throwing sand or dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.

• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn.

• Never leave grills, fire pits, patio torches or campfires unattended. Ensure fires are fully extinguished before you leave the area.

• Pay attention to burn advisories in your area and avoid starting fires during windy or dry conditions.

• When extinguishing the fire, drown it with water. If you do not have water, use dirt as an alternative. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled. However, do not bury coals, as they can smolder and reignite.

"Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but they can turn dangerous in seconds. Take your time, follow the instructions, soak used fireworks in water overnight, and make safety part of your celebration,” Kansas Fire Marshal Mark Engholm said. “A few simple precautions can help make sure everyone goes home with great memories."

Safe Kids Kansas and KSFM urge parents to follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of fire injuries. Ensure you install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Plan and practice your home fire escape plan frequently – children are more likely to do what they’ve practiced during an emergency.

For more information about fire safety, visit safekidskansas.org and www.firemarshal.ks.gov.