Burns specialists at QVH share advice ahead of Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations

As families prepare for Bonfire Night, Diwali and other autumn celebrations, burns specialists at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH) are sharing safety advice after treating children for a range of seasonal burn injuries

Looking at the cases treated over the past year has highlighted some of the ways children can be injured during autumn celebrations, particularly through sparklers, bonfires and even toasted marshmallows.

Between October 2025 and September 2026, eight children were treated specifically for firework-related burn injuries. Seven of those injuries were caused by sparklers, with all of the affected children aged between one and four years old.

The service also treated 25 children for burn injuries linked to bonfire activities. More than half of these injuries occurred when items were thrown onto fires and ignited unexpectedly. A further 10 injuries were caused by hot marshmallows. Because marshmallows can stick to the skin, exposure to heat may be prolonged, potentially increasing the depth of the burn. Some of these injuries took up to 41 days to heal.

Baljit Dheansa, Consultant Plastic and Burns Surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital, said:

"Every year we see children who have been injured while enjoying what should be a fun family celebration. Many parents are surprised to learn that a number of the burn injuries we see at this time of year are caused by sparklers or activities around bonfires, rather than fireworks themselves." "Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and should always be used under close adult supervision, particularly around very young children. We would also strongly discourage people from throwing objects onto bonfires, as they can ignite unexpectedly or explode."

"The good news is that prompt first aid can make a real difference. Cooling a burn under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible can help limit the depth of the injury, support healing and reduce the risk of longer-term scarring."

The data also highlights the importance of swift first aid. All children treated for firework-related burn injuries had received prompt cooling with water before being assessed by healthcare professionals.

Prompt first aid remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of a burn injury. If someone is burned, the injury should be cooled under cool running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible. Clothing or jewellery near the injury should be removed if it is safe to do so, before covering the burn with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing. Creams, oils and ice should not be applied to a burn.

The burns team is also reminding families never to throw aerosols, batteries or other pressurised items onto bonfires and to ensure children are closely supervised around bonfires, open flames, sparklers and fireworks. Extra care should also be taken when toasting marshmallows or cooking food over fires.

Further information on burns prevention and first aid is available on the QVH website: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/our-services/plastic-surgery-and-burns/burns/burns-first-aid-and-prevention/