From: Orange County Register
“Must be present to hold” is etched into the side of fire rings at Aliso Beach. Parties who leave their fire rings, even for just a moment, may return to find a different group enjoying the beach side fire.
MATT MASIN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
An increase in the number of young children burned at fire rings in recent weeks has prompted officials to remind parents to use caution while around hot flames and coals.
In the past three weekends, three 2-year-olds suffered second-degree burns. And burns have been reported the past five weekends at Huntington State Beach alone, said State Parks spokesman Kevin Pearsall.
So far this year there have been eight reports of fire ring burns in the county – seven children and a 22-year-old who was intoxicated, Pearsall said. Most of the burns have been to children ages 2 to 5.
Two years ago, in response to a rise in child burn incidents at fire rings, state lifeguards added the words “CAUTION HOT ASHES” in bold red letters on the rings to remind visitors of the potential danger.
The number of injuries declined last year, with six reports for the entire summer.