Toddler Experiences Intense Pain at Popular Beach Spot Due to Careless Actions of Nearby Visitors
A family holiday in Dorset, England, took a turn for the worse when a two-year-old boy named Harry Lambert sustained burns on his feet due to running over an abandoned fire pit on a beach.
The incident occurred on August 9th during the family's holiday in Mudeford, Christchurch. The family-of-four consists of Amy Lambert, her husband Richard Lambert, and their two sons, Harry and Tommy, aged 6 and 2 respectively.
Photos show that Harry's scorched feet had erupted with 'fluid-filled' blisters on each toe. The injuries are currently healing well, and he will not require surgery on his feet.
Harry was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, Dorset, where he was bandaged up and returned the next day for a check-up. The hospital diagnosed him with surface burns on his feet.
The fire pit that caused Harry's injuries was concealed by sand and still burning when discovered. Anthony Rogers from BCP Council expressed disappointment over the incident and emphasized the importance of disposing of disposable BBQs properly.
Amy Lambert, who hails from Fordingbridge, Hampshire, is urging beachgoers to properly put out fire pits and disposable BBQs to prevent similar accidents. She shared Harry's story on social media to warn people about the importance of disposing of beach BBQs and fire pits properly.
Amy believes that people may not be aware that covering a BBQ can make the situation worse, as sand is a conductor and generates more heat. The sand where the fire pit was hidden appeared normal and gave no indication of a fire pit being present.
To prevent accidents like this, it's crucial to follow some key steps when using fire pits and disposable BBQs on the beach:
- Extinguishing the fire completely:
- Use water or sand to thoroughly douse the fire until no embers or heat remain. Stir the ashes to ensure all hot spots are cooled.
- Ensure ashes are cold to the touch before disposal to avoid flare-ups.
- Never leave a fire or barbecue unattended and have a bucket of water or hose nearby during use to quickly respond to any flare-ups.
- Safe disposal of ashes and coals:
- Only dispose of ashes and coals when completely cold.
- Avoid disposing of hot coals in regular beach trash or natural areas to prevent fire risk. Use a metal container or designated fire-proof receptacle if available.
- Do not bury hot ashes in sand or vegetation where heat can persist underground and potentially ignite fires later.
- Location and setup considerations:
- Use fire pits that are enclosed by non-combustible materials like stone, metal, or concrete, preferably no larger than 1 meter diameter.
- Maintain a clearance of at least 7.5 meters (25 feet) from any structures, vegetation, or combustible materials to reduce spread risk.
- Only burn wood or wood by-products; avoid rubber, plastics, or painted materials that produce hazardous smoke.
- Regulations and environmental responsibility:
- Check and follow local rules about beach fires and BBQs as restrictions and designated sites often apply to prevent fire hazards and protect wildlife areas.
- Collect and bag all waste, including food scraps and fish remains, and dispose of them in appropriate bins to keep the beach clean and avoid attracting wildlife or creating hazards.
- After extinguishing, ensure no embers remain that could be rekindled by wind or residual heat.
By following these guidelines, we can help prevent accidents like the one that happened to Harry Lambert and his family. Let's work together to keep our beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- While enjoying a family holiday in Dorset, England, a two-year-old boy named Harry Lambert suffered surface burns on his feet due to a forgotten fire pit on a beach.
- To prevent similar accidents, it's necessary to extinguish fires completely with water or sand, ensuring ashes are cold before disposal, and following proper location and setup considerations when using fire pits and disposable BBQs.
- After his accident, Amy Lambert, Harry's mother, took to social media to share her family's story, highlighting the importance of responsibly disposing of beach BBQs and fire pits for the safety and well-being of everyone.
