A casual marshmallow roast at a backyard gathering on the 500 block of The Strand in Oceanside turned into a nightmare on Saturday, when flames from a tabletop fireplace suddenly shot up and ignited two children, authorities said. Adults at the scene quickly poured water on the kids to put out the fire, and emergency crews from the Oceanside Fire Department, city lifeguards and police rushed in to treat the injured. Both children were airlifted to a burn center, and the father of one child, who was burned while trying to help, was taken to the same burn center by ambulance. Officials later said the tabletop unit had been fueled with rubbing alcohol.
According to Fox 5 San Diego, Oceanside Fire Department crews provided emergency medical care on scene before the two children were flown to a specialized burn center for further treatment. The station reports that one adult was also hospitalized and that parents and nearby adults managed to extinguish the flames by dousing the children with water. Fox 5 notes that firefighters warned alcohol vapors can ignite without warning and erupt into a sudden flash fire, a risk that was on full display in this backyard mishap.
How the fire started
In a statement cited by Fox 5 San Diego, the Oceanside Fire Department said the tabletop fireplace had been fueled with rubbing alcohol and emphasized that the vapors can cause flash fires. The department’s warning that alcohol vapors can ignite unexpectedly and create a sudden flash fire underscores how fast things can go wrong when open flames, fuel and kids mix in a tight space. Investigators and emergency crews remained on scene while the city reviewed the circumstances of the incident.
Why alcohol-fueled tabletop fireplaces are risky
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has repeatedly raised alarms about alcohol- or ethanol-fueled tabletop fire pits, citing flame-jetting and pool-fire hazards and urging consumers to stop using certain models, as detailed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Chemical hazard guides also point out that isopropyl, or rubbing, alcohol has a low flash point and produces highly flammable vapors that can ignite quickly, according to NOAA. Put simply, even a small decorative flame can turn into a flash fire if the fuel and vapors are not handled with care.
First aid and safety
Experts say that if someone is burned, the first step is to cool the affected area with clean, running water and gently remove tight clothing or jewelry from around the injury. After cooling, the burn should be covered loosely with a clean cloth or dressing, and large or deep burns should receive prompt medical attention. The American Burn Association recommends cooling burns with water only and specifically warns against using ice, butter or other home remedies that can make the injury worse. Families are also urged to keep children and flammable liquids away from open flames and to consider safer setups for roasting marshmallows.
City resources and next steps
Residents looking for more information can find contact details and community safety resources for the Oceanside Fire Department on the city’s official website. Officials say investigators will continue to review what happened at the Strand gathering and will share additional details as they become available.
This episode is a blunt reminder that alcohol-fueled decorative flames are not just mood lighting, they carry real risks. Families are encouraged to opt for safer options for roasting, such as a proper wood or charcoal fire pit or an electric setup, and to follow established burn first-aid guidance if an accident occurs. We will update this report if officials release more information.
