Cooler fall weather makes backyard bonfires popular across Wisconsin. This year, Fire Prevention Week falls on October 4th through the 10th, making it a good time to think about how to keep your family safe around an open flame.
Most bonfires end with good memories, but burns, falls, and other serious injuries can happen quickly. If unsafe property conditions or someone else’s negligence causes an injury, Green Bay premises liability lawyers can help you understand your legal options.
What Are the Biggest Bonfire Safety Risks?
Common hazards include:
- Burns: Flames, hot fire pits, coals, or cooking equipment can cause burns requiring surgery or rehabilitation and leave permanent scarring, nerve damage, or disfigurement.
- Falls into the Fire: Children running or playing near a fire pit can easily trip and fall.
- Fire Accelerants: Gasoline and other flammable liquids can cause flames to spread or flare unexpectedly.
- Airborne Embers: Sparks can land on clothing, dry grass, nearby structures, or other combustible materials.
- Poor Supervision: Young children may not recognize how quickly conditions around a fire can become dangerous.
Alcohol can also impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of an accident around an open flame.
How Can You Keep Your Family Safe?
Choose a clear, level area away from buildings, trees, dry vegetation, and anything else that could catch fire. Keep a hose, water, or appropriate fire extinguisher close enough to reach quickly.
Create a clearly defined no-go zone around the fire, make sure children stay outside it, and closely supervise young children.
Avoid loose sleeves or other clothing that could catch fire. Everyone should wear closed-toe shoes, and shoelaces should be securely tied to reduce the risk of tripping.
Adults should roast marshmallows and hot dogs for younger children rather than allowing them to lean over or stand close to the flames.
Most importantly, never leave the fire unattended. Keep pets away from the fire to prevent burns, falls, and knocked-over equipment.
Check Wisconsin Burning Rules Before Starting a Bonfire
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states that recreational fires for cooking or similar purposes do not require a burning permit unless emergency burning restrictions are in effect. However, cities, villages, and towns may impose stricter local requirements.
Before starting a bonfire, check the daily fire danger and contact your local government or fire department if you are unsure about local rules. If a fire escapes, the person responsible may be liable for suppression costs and damage.
When Can a Bonfire Injury Lead to a Premises Liability Claim?
A property owner may be responsible when an unsafe property condition or careless handling of the fire contributes to an injury. For example, a guest could trip over an unmarked hole and fall toward the fire, or a host might place the fire too close to seating or use a dangerous accelerant.
After a serious accident, photographs of the property and fire pit, witness statements, medical records, 911 records, and available video footage can help show what happened. Because some evidence can disappear quickly, document the scene as soon as possible.
When negligence causes a serious burn, compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, and other losses related to the injury.
What Should You Do if Someone Gets Burned?
The American Red Cross recommends cooling a burn under clean, cool running water for 5 to 20 minutes. Remove jewelry or clothing around the burn unless it is stuck to the skin. Do not put butter or cream on a burn.
Call 911 for serious burns, including deep burns, burns covering a large area, or burns involving areas such as the face, hands, joints, or groin. Young children with serious burns may also require emergency treatment.
Hurt at a Bonfire? Find Out What Caused the Accident
When a bonfire injury involves an unsafe property condition or careless behavior, determining what caused the accident can be an important first step toward understanding your rights.
The Green Bay premises liability lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can investigate the circumstances surrounding a bonfire injury, identify who may be responsible, and help you pursue compensation when negligence contributed to your injuries.
Schedule your free case review to discuss your legal options after a bonfire accident.
