Officials issue warning after multiple people burned in fires

After multiple people were burned from recreational fires, officials are warning the public to practice safety when having bonfires.

“In both cases, the individuals using the gasoline tried to ignite the fire in both incidents,” said Darke County Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker, referring to the incident on June 3, where an 11-year-old boy was seriously hurt when flames burned part of his body.

RELATED: Gasoline container ignites at Darke County bonfire

“Stop using gasoline to start fires,” Whittaker said.  “Using gasoline is not a safe way to start a fire, the best way to start a fire or a campfire is just to use ordinary combustibles like small dry pieces of kindling wood that you light a match and build the fire there safely.”

RELATED: 2-year-old child falls into fire pit at Enon Beach

The City of Moraine’s Fire Marshall also says during summer bonfires it’s important to have adult supervision.

“You can’t afford even with teenagers, you can’t afford not to have an adult there,” said Doug Hatcher with the Moraine Fire Dept.

Hatcher also says if you have a fire pit to insure it’s up off the ground.

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