As Memorial Day weekend approaches, marking the unofficial start of summer, Parkland Health officials in Dallas are reminding families to take precautions around water and open flames to prevent injuries. Data from Parkland’s Burn Center shows that grills and campfires continue to pose a steady risk as more people gather outdoors. In 2025, Parkland treated 63 burn injuries tied to these activities, including 35 adults and 28 children. Pediatric burns were more frequently linked to campfires than grills, highlighting the dangers of unmonitored flames. “Most burn injuries we see are preventable,” said Sarah Scoins, a burn outreach and injury prevention educator at Parkland. “Simple steps like keeping children back, staying attentive, and never using flammable liquids to start a fire can make a big difference.” Scoins warned against using accelerants such as gasoline, which can cause sudden flare-ups. She also urged extra caution when alcohol is present, noting it can reduce awareness of fire hazards. Parkland recommends using long-handled tools, wearing protective gloves, and keeping a fire extinguisher or water source nearby when managing a fire. Before leaving any site, flames and embers should be fully extinguished. Health officials also stressed the importance of water safety during the holiday weekend, when lakes, pools, and other recreational areas tend to be crowded. “Drowning doesn’t look the way people expect — it’s fast and often silent,” said Courtney Edwards, director of trauma community outreach at Parkland’s Rees-Jones Trauma Center. “The most important step is constant supervision. If you’re near water, stay focused, stay close, and make sure everyone has the right safety gear, including life jackets.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1 to 4. Parkland experts recommend several key safety steps, including designating a “water watcher” to supervise children at all times, enrolling children in formal swim lessons, securing pools with fencing and locked gates, and using U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or for inexperienced swimmers. They also advise avoiding distractions such as phones while supervising and learning CPR in case of emergencies. Officials said taking simple precautions can help ensure a safe start to the summer season. For more information, click here. ...read more read less