Barbecues, bonfires can pose burn risk

IRVINE, Calif., July 4 (UPI) -- With the grilling season in full swing, a U.S. doctor warns barbecues and beach bonfires put people, especially children, at risk of painful, long-term injury.

Dr. Marianne Cinat of the University of California-Irvine Regional Burn Center said there are more burns as camping and backyard fire pits become more popular.

"We're seeing approximately two dozen fire pit injuries each year," Cinat said in a statement. "And all of these accidents are preventable."

Sand might extinguish the flames, Cinat says, but coals can smolder for up to 24 hours and sand can lock in heat, making smoldering coals even hotter. She recommends coals be extinguished by drenching them in water, waiting five minutes and drenching them again. If water is not available, simply let the coals burn out.

If burned, don't put ice on the skin, Cinat warns. Ice can cause skin damage, especially to children, whose skin is thinner than adults.

Cinat says wash the burn with cool water for up to 10 minutes. For a small area, put a cool washcloth on it; with a larger burn, a cool towel can lower body temperature and take the burn victim immediately to the nearest emergency room.