It’s that time of year, when many enjoy sitting around a campfire/bonfire. We often hear about safety considerations when having a fire, but what about safety considerations when sitting around the fire? In our community, many individuals experience different sensation or no sensation in parts of their body due to a neurological injury or condition. We must consider taking additional precautions to prevent burns.
- Sit at least 4 feet from the contained fire pit, keeping all body parts to self. i.e. don’t rest your feet on the fire pit enclosure.
- Use a fire pit spark screen that fits the fire pit enclosure.
- Avoid burning wood types that tend to spark, such as pine, cedar, hemlock.
- Talk to your therapist about other adaptations that can be made to keep you safe. i.e. extended roasting sticks
- Find out if there are “flammable” warnings on your equipment and follow the label recommendations.
- Consider getting a flameless/simulated fire pit.
- Make sure you are up to speed on general safety recommendations for having a fire. Check with your local fire department on recommendations and the daily fire danger forecast.
- Be sure to inspect your skin immediately following exposure to campfire/bonfire, as well as the day after. Seek medical attention if you observe changes in your skin health.