Child Nearly Dies After Being Burned While Using Indoor Fire Pit, County Fire Department Says

A small child has suffered life-threatening burns caused by an indoor fire pit, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department said today. 

In a statement, fire department officials said on December 30, 2024, at approximately 3:50 pm, firefighters responded to a residence in the 8500 Block of Crooked Tree Lane, Laurel, for the report of a fire in the living room. "Upon arrival, firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire quickly without it spreading past the living room. At the same time, Anne Arundel County medics attended to the two occupants, an adult female and a 9-year-old child who had both suffered burns as a result of the fire," officials wrote in the statement. "The 9-year-old was transported to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Facility with life-threatening injuries. The adult female was treated and released on scene."

Investigators determined the fire was accidental and was caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit, which are commonly purchased to make S'mores.  

The Consumer Product Safety Commission gave a warning earlier this month about these products. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department urges anyone who has purchased one of these kits to read the CPSC warning prior to use.