safety
California children airlifted to burn center after roasting marshmallows goes wrong
By Anna Ashcraft at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
Two children were airlifted to a burn center, and an adult was hospitalized after a backyard gathering in Oceanside went wrong when a small outdoor tabletop fireplace that was being used to roast marshmallows flashed and shot flames at the children, igniting their clothing.
Why this matters in Westlake News
The recent incident in Oceanside where children were injured while roasting marshmallows over a small outdoor fireplace is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of outdoor fires in residential settings. In West Lake Hills , where outdoor gatherings and backyard fire pits are common, residents should take heed of this incident and exercise caution when using such devices. The city's fire department has likely responded to similar incidents in the past, and it is crucial for residents to follow safety guidelines and regulations when using outdoor fireplaces or fire pits. As the weather warms up and outdoor gatherings become more frequent, it is especially important for West Lake Hills residents to be mindful of fire safety and take steps to prevent such accidents from occurring in their own community. This includes keeping a safe distance from flames, monitoring children closely, and having a fire extinguisher or other safety measures on hand.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News . Westlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two children were airlifted to a burn center, and an adult was hospitalized after a backyard gathering in Oceanside went wrong when a small outdoor tabletop fireplace that was being used to roast marshmallows flashed and shot flames at the children, igniting their clothing.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News and curated for Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anna Ashcraft at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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