safety
California children airlifted to burn center after roasting marshmallows goes wrong
By Anna Ashcraft at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
Two children were airlifted to a burn center, and an adult was hospitalized after a backyard gathering in Oceanside went wrong when a small outdoor tabletop fireplace that was being used to roast marshmallows flashed and shot flames at the children, igniting their clothing.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
The incident in Oceanside serves as a cautionary tale for residents in Barton Creek , where outdoor gatherings and backyard fire pits are common. As the community enjoys the warmer months, it's crucial for homeowners to exercise caution when using outdoor fire features, even small tabletop fireplaces. The fact that a simple activity like roasting marshmallows can quickly turn into a dangerous situation is a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety. In Barton Creek, where homes are often nestled in wooded areas, the risk of fires spreading quickly is a concern. Residents should take heed of this incident and ensure that they are taking necessary precautions when using outdoor fire features, such as keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and supervising children closely. By being mindful of fire safety, residents can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . The Barton Creek surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two children were airlifted to a burn center, and an adult was hospitalized after a backyard gathering in Oceanside went wrong when a small outdoor tabletop fireplace that was being used to roast marshmallows flashed and shot flames at the children, igniting their clothing.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anna Ashcraft at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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