Fire Prevention Week has been a national observance in the United States since 1925. This week is a dedicated time for the public to learn how to stay safe in case of a fire.
“Small actions save lives,” said Dr. Gibson, associate professor in the Division of Acute Care and Regional General Surgery and Paul Davis Community Professor. “Avoid using flammable substances near or on open flames and teach kids about fire safety at a young age – it is never too young.”
Fire safety and prevention is an important part of a safe camping trip. According to the American Burn Association, 70% of campfire burns are caused by embers rather than flames.
When Diana Sina was 23-months-old, she went camping with her family. One morning after breakfast, when her parents were no longer by the firepit, Sina accidentally fell into the firepit.
This accident resulted in second- and third-degree burns covering half of her body. Sina spent three months at UW Hospital where she had six surgeries to treat her injuries. Since Sina was so young at the time of the accident, she has had to have twenty reconstructive surgeries over the course of her life.
However, despite the accident, Sina is an avid camper to this day.
“If there’s a silver lining to something it’s that it didn’t make me afraid or dislike camping,” Sina said.
Recently, Sina became a certified Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Peer Supporter, which allows her to give hope to both burn survivors and their loved ones. She also participated in the Burn Survivor Panel at the 2025 Midwest Burn Conference hosted by UW–Madison.
For Fire Prevention Week, Sina’s message is, “monitor children closely, even when it’s not an open flame. Understand your surroundings … and keep children at a safe distance.”
Learn more about campfire safety from the American Burn Association.
Fire Prevention Week is sponsored by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). The NFPA is a trusted and respected fixture in the lives of safety professionals across the globe. As a self-funded nonprofit, the association strives to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion.