Dallas families are being urged to take extra fire and water safety precautions during the Memorial Day weekend as outdoor gatherings, pool visits, lake trips and backyard cooking increase across the area. Parkland Health officials say close supervision around grills, campfires and water can help prevent serious injuries involving both children and adults.
The warning comes as many families prepare for the unofficial start of summer, when children are often near open flames, backyard grills, swimming pools, lakes and recreational water areas.
Parkland warns families about grill and campfire injuries
Parkland Health data shows that grills and campfires remained a steady injury concern in 2025. The Parkland Burn Center treated 63 burn injuries linked to those activities, including 35 adults and 28 children.
Officials said pediatric burns were more often connected to campfires than grills, highlighting the risk of children being too close to open flames during family gatherings, camping trips or outdoor celebrations.
Sarah Scoins, a burn outreach and injury prevention educator at Parkland, said most burn injuries treated by the hospital are preventable. She urged families to keep children away from flames, watch fire areas closely and avoid using gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or strengthen a fire.
Accelerants can cause sudden flare-ups and create severe injury risks within seconds. Parkland officials also advised extra caution when alcohol is present, because it can reduce awareness and slow reaction time around fire hazards.
Families using grills or campfires are encouraged to use long-handled tools, wear protective gloves and keep a fire extinguisher or nearby water source available. Before leaving any outdoor site, families should make sure flames and embers are fully extinguished.
Water supervision remains key during Memorial Day weekend
Parkland officials also emphasized water safety as pools, lakes and recreation areas become busier during the holiday weekend. Courtney Edwards, director of trauma community outreach at Parkland’s Rees-Jones Trauma Center, said drowning can happen quickly and silently, making constant supervision one of the most important safety steps.
Families are urged to designate a focused “water watcher” whenever children are near pools, lakes or other water areas. That person should avoid phone use, conversations or other distractions while supervising children.
Officials also recommend formal swim lessons, pool fencing with locked gates, and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating and inexperienced swimmers.
CDC data highlights drowning risk for young children
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1 to 4. Parkland experts said parents and caregivers should also learn CPR so they are better prepared during emergencies.
Health officials said simple precautions, including active supervision, safer grilling habits, life jackets and CPR awareness, can help Dallas families reduce preventable injuries and enjoy a safer start to the summer season.
