The great Australian outdoors beckons families with its vast beauty and the promise of adventure, especially during holiday weekends.
Camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is a quintessential experience for many Aussies.
However, amidst the excitement and relaxation, it’s crucial to remember that the wilderness comes with inherent risks.
A recent incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers that can lurk in even the most idyllic settings.
Ashlea Hodder, an experienced camper, had enjoyed a long weekend with her children and friends at Keelbottom Creek near Mingala, west of Townsville.
As they were packing up to leave, tragedy struck. Ashlea’s seven-year-old daughter, Coral, accidentally stepped into the remnants of a campfire left by another group.
The result was severe third-degree burns on her right foot and hands, turning a family outing into a nightmare.
The incident unfolded in seconds. Ashlea had asked her children to watch for koalas as they tidied their campsite.
But in a split second, Coral’s screams of agony shattered the joyous atmosphere. Ashlea rushed to her daughter’s side, only to find her writhing in pain on the ground. The emotional toll of seeing her child in such distress was overwhelming.
‘I was so overwhelmed, I didn’t know what to do,’ Ashlea recounted, the pain evident in her voice.
The family immediately abandoned their camping gear and drove over an hour to the nearest hospital. Now, they face an anxious wait to see if Coral will require skin grafts to heal her burns.
The physical injuries are only part of the ordeal; the psychological impact has left young Coral traumatised, fearing the very activity she once loved and unfairly blaming herself for the accident.
Ashlea’s message to fellow campers is clear and urgent: extinguish your fires completely. The neighbouring campsite’s negligence in leaving their fire to smoulder could have led to even more disastrous consequences, such as a bushfire.
Ashlea’s frustration is palpable as she emphasises the ease with which the fire could have been put out, especially with a creek nearby.
The incident is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with enjoying the outdoors. Campfires, a beloved part of camping, can become hazards if not managed correctly.
Ashlea’s plea to other campers is to always use water to extinguish fires, not to stomp them out or cover them with sand, and to bring extra water on trips.
As we approach Anzac Day and camping season, it’s essential to heed Ashlea’s warning. Safety should never be an afterthought when it comes to outdoor activities.
Ensure that your campfire is completely out before leaving the site, and educate your children on the importance of fire safety. It’s also wise to keep a first aid kit on hand and know the location of the nearest medical facility.
Coral’s story is a sobering reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced or cautious. Let’s all take a moment to learn from this family’s ordeal and make safety a top priority on our next outdoor adventure.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with camping safety in the comments below. Have you ever encountered a similar situation, or do you have tips for fellow campers on how to stay safe? Your insights could help prevent another family from enduring such a traumatic experience.
Remember, the beauty of the Australian wilderness is there for all to enjoy, but it demands our respect and vigilance. Stay safe, and happy camping.
Also read: This couple found a camping paradise with a ‘private beach’—discover how you can too
When I was about 4 years old, I walked into a white hot smouldering campfire while left in the charge of an elderly lady. My mother heard my screams and ran back to find me with terribly burnt feet. That was 73 years ago, but my mother was a knowledgeable woman and immediately took the cold tea leaves from when they had boiled the billy and wrapped my feet in cold tea leaves and rags. The next morning, I was able to walk on my feet! It seems the remedy to the burns was the tannin in the tea leaves.