Mum Warns Beach-Goers After Toddler Suffers Burns from Hidden Fire Pit

Amy Lambert’s family holiday at Avon beach in Mudeford, Christchurch, turned distressing on August 9 when her two-year-old son, Harry, burned both feet after running over a hidden fire pit buried in the sand. The fire pit, left smoldering and concealed by sand, caused Harry to scream out in pain as he played.

Amy and her husband Richard quickly sprang into action. Richard immersed Harry’s feet in the sea to cool the burns, while Amy treated his feet under running water back at their lodge. Despite their efforts, Harry’s pain persisted, leading them to seek medical attention at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Doctors confirmed Harry had surface burns with fluid-filled blisters on each toe.

The family reported the incident to a lifeguard, who then doused the concealed fire pit with water. The act released a dense cloud of smoke, revealing the dangerous embers hidden beneath the sand. Amy describes the heartbreaking moment: “There was nothing to show there was a fire pit there at all. He kept screaming, ‘I don’t like it, I don’t like it,’ and being so small, it was hard to comfort him.”

Fortunately, Harry is recovering well, avoiding the need for surgery. His parents plan to return to the beach soon to help him regain his confidence near the sea.

Concerned by what happened, Amy has taken to social media to highlight the dangers of improperly discarded beach fires and BBQs. She stresses the importance of thoroughly extinguishing fires rather than simply covering them with sand, which can actually trap heat and keep embers dangerously hot.

Amy warns, “Covering a BBQ or fire with sand doesn’t cool it down; it acts as a conductor and keeps it just as hot. You need to properly cool it with water and ensure it’s fully put out to protect others.”

Her message is a vital reminder for all beach visitors to be responsible and considerate, to prevent such painful accidents from happening again.