Fire safety for small kids..

[FZJ]

With 2 small ones around the campsite now im always a bit nervous when I have a fire going.Education is always top of the list of course but they are just so damn fast and it only takes a second.I went through the usual "what can I make a barrier out of " diy thing,but this  idea came to mind. Might get one for the next trip.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/36-Pet-Dog-Puppy-Guinea-Pig-Rabbit-Playpen-Enclosure-Pen-Barrier-Portable-Crate-/270846424403?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item3f0fb47553

I realise they are metal which will heat up but a small touch of that would be better than falling into a 3 day old fire.Figured I could always put an old fire blanket over it if need be.
Tent peg it too the ground.
Bit like a pool fence? Goes hand in hand with supervision.

Comments......??

[Manjimike]

Won't heat up if you put it far enough away from the fire and put the KIDS in it   
 

[FZJ]

Won't heat up if you put it far enough away from the fire and put the KIDS in it   

Would docs mind if i put it in the backyard with them in it while I went away?

[austastar]

Hi,



I think mine would have got out of that - needs a floor and a lid.


Seriously though, when they were smaller, so were the fires, but the supervision was huge even so.

We managed to get them raised without any major mishaps fire wise.
Water was a different story, but they survived.

cheers


cheers

[Mace]

Probably not a bad idea to allay your concerns.  Ive allways felt that kids easily learn (from radiant heat) that you dont go near big hot fires, cold on top hot underneath smouldering ones are a different issue however, it would work for that.

My first thought, tho, was that Id be the one to go arse up over it with a stubby in hand whilst trying to stoke the fire (as you have to do!).

 

[Burnsy]

I worry constantly about the same thing, I can think of no worse way to cut short a holiday that with a burnt child.  We have the rule with our daughter that she walks behind the chairs and is not allowed in front of them unless we are by her side.  It does make it hard though when others kids wander around without a care. 

[Burnsy]

Probably not a bad idea to allay your concerns.  Ive allways felt that kids easily learn (from radiant heat) that you dont go near big hot fires, cold on top hot underneath smouldering ones are a different issue however, it would work for that.

My first thought, tho, was that Id be the one to go arse up over it with a stubby in hand whilst trying to stoke the fire (as you have to do!).

 

Kids may know that it is hot and stay away, I know my three year old does but they need to stay out of the fall zone and that is what stresses me.  It is the combination of, the dark, uneven ground, people on seats with legs sticking in and out, cooking implements, and other stuff that makes small kids unsafe, not their own lack of care.  Think about it, how many times has your kid fallen over  feet when they walk away from you after talking to you at a chair.

[duggie]

For my two bob's worth, I think it would be ideal.

[FZJ]

Kids may know that it is hot and stay away, I know my three year old does but they need to stay out of the fall zone and that is what stresses me.  It is the combination of, the dark, uneven ground, people on seats with legs sticking in and out, cooking implements, and other stuff that makes small kids unsafe, not their own lack of care.  Think about it, how many times has your kid fallen over  feet when they walk away from you after talking to you at a chair.

Your right on the money burnsey, Im by no means a wet nurse with my kids,but my oldest trips over cob webs.Im as rough as guts with em  and believe in letting them learne a lesson.I just dont want that lesson to be a ride in a red and yellow chopper from the middle of nowhere!

[D4D]

Serves 2 purposes, you can keep them in it during the day and put it round the fire during the night

[Beachman]

For both my kids we used a old wooden playpen around a small fire. (Seeing it was given to us it didn’t really matter if it got wrecked. But survived without catching on fire) Also really good for putting around the fire the next morning when the pit has no flames, but hot coals as for me this is the real danger period.

Our kids were quiet good with fire as we went camping enough when they were young and kept telling them the dangers of fire. Mind you friends who do the ‘Once per year camping’ are having major trouble with there 2 boys around a fire. The boys are memorised by fire and it’s got to the stage I don’t want to go camping with them as know one day one of the boys is going to get very badly burnt.

[SteveandViv]

Well with all the best intentions in the world our Dan fell around the fire and put his hand on the rocks which burnt him. We were camping in a cold area so the water was nice and cold so after 40 mins of that and a tube of Emla (A very good Topical Anesthetic) he was OK but it scared the bejesus out of me.

We also had the don't walk in front of the chairs rule but he just forgot as kids do. It killed me to think it cold have been so much worse. We were lucky. It's not a risk I take anymore in that I am so attentive around fires now but I thinks it's worth while. I must admit the kids are getting older now and like to have their own fire which we allow. i think that has also taught them so respect of the fire

[baldheadedgit]

pedeosar.......Buy one,,, dont think about it,, just get it,, it will work,,, it's not going to get red hot unless its that close to the flames, we had a simaler experience to Steve,  But it was my 4 year old Grandson, i was not with them on this trip, but what happened was they were packing up ready to leave, the fire was already doused with water so all thought it was safe,,, everyone busy packing up, not realy worrying about the kids,,, when all hell broke lose,,, seems he just triped on the ring of rocks, (yes i know the ring of rocks saga) fell into the old fire, hands out to save himself, very badly burnt,, lucky the son inlaw grabed him and had him in the creek before it got any worse,,.... but still a trip to hospital, and weeks of treatment,, but like most kids, he has bounced back,,
Now, the fire gaurd,, son inlaw made one, very simaler to the one you are thinking about, his is just 4 small sheets of gal mesh,, using keyrings to join the cnrs and two snaplock things to make the final join, folded up it stores on the front of the ct,,,
I've got a pic of it somewhere, will try and find it tonight for you....
For the sake of the kids,,,, GET ONE......

BHG
Steve

[Kit_e_kat9]

OzPig also have a similar thing.  Buy one of those and you can also use it where you can't have a fire (heat beads).  Kids just simply can not fall into one of these without assistance.

Kit_e

[GGV8Cruza]

You could always set up a hot wire off the camper batteries, it works for the cows

We are always very vigilant around the fire but it only takes one second to turn your back or be distracted. I would do what ever makes you comfortable

GG

[heath74]

What ever works for you mate.  Mine are 6&7 now and are getting to be pretty good around fire.  I think points already made about education, allowing kides to be involved in lighting, putting logs on putting out etc all help.  I make a real effort to pick up the stuff that tends to get left at the base of our chairs, and near the fire that create tripping hazards  We all know though, that there is no substitute for direct supervision.  Even adults have the odd brain fade and burn ourselves from time to time.