19/06/2026
Nine-year-old Evie was doing what most kids love, exploring and playing outdoors.
While visiting her aunt’s property, Evie spotted what looked like a pile of sand. Thinking it was safe, she jumped straight in.
But it wasn’t sand! The day before, it had been a bonfire. The fire had been covered with sand to put it out, but underneath, it was still dangerously hot.
In an instant, Evie suffered a serious burn to her ankle.
Thankfully, Evie’s nan knew exactly what to do:
• Removed her shoes immediately
• Placed her burn under cool running water for 20 minutes
This quick action helped to reduce the severity of the burn before Evie was taken to a GP, who referred her to the RHH Burns Unit.
Evie’s injury was severe. She required skin graft surgery and will need to wear a pressure bandage for 1–2 years.
But the impact went beyond the physical injury.
Evie missed the rest of the school year, time with friends, and even her much-anticipated cheer presentation.
Mum Tara says it was a difficult time for the whole family.
“I am extremely grateful to my workplace for being so flexible. Balancing care, recovery, and everyday life was certainly a challenge. Evie is so resilient and brave, but we certainly weren’t prepared for how long and hard the recovery process was going to be.”
Today, Evie is back at school and enjoying cheer with her friends, but her recovery still has a way to go.
Never cover a fire with sand to extinguish it.
Instead:
➡️ Soak it with water
➡️ Stir it
➡️ Soak it again
🔥 Always ensure fires are completely out and cool before leaving them.
🔥 Keep children well away from any recently extinguished fire area.
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended or smouldering overnight.
This Burns Awareness Month, make sure you know what to do, be prepared and act fast.