There can be times when life can throw us into situations so far beyond our control, we can’t do anything about it. We can only hope for the best.
One Squamish resident had to go through just that.
In March, 17-year-old Sammy Badger was hanging out with friends. They were all circled around a bonfire. No doubt this is a situation that many of us have found ourselves in.
But things can so quickly take an unexpected turn.
An accelerant was added to the fire, and as the flames flared up, Badger received burns that left her in the hospital wrapped in bandages.
However, more important than what happened is how Badger chose to deal with what happened.
In conversing with Badger, The Chief found a youth who won’t let setbacks keep her down.
Through music, the young woman is managing to lift herself up from what has been, without a doubt, a trying time in her life.
We can only applaud such resilience. It is also worth noting that Badger is also using her voice to give back — the proceeds from her upcoming performance will be going to charitable causes.
At the same time, what happened to Badger is also a sobering reminder for many of us to be careful as campfire season begins.
RCMP have told The Chief of several incidents this year where accelerants were added to fires, resulting in sudden bursts of flame that sent people to hospital.
One person was even rushed to the emergency room in critical condition.
It’s clear that while many of us take campfire safety knowledge for granted as common sense, it may be best to change this mindset.
People of all ages — yes, even grown adults — should all take the necessary steps to educate themselves about fire safety.
A 2010 American study published in the Journal of Burn Care and Research looked at 241 cases of campfire burns over a period of eight years, and found that a substantial amount of those affected were between 18 to 64 years old.
It would appear grown-ups shouldn’t assume that they know everything about campfire safety.
Alcohol was also a contributing factor about 60 per cent of the time.
“Pouring flammable liquids on burning fires may seem like an inconsequential event, but this action can create extreme fire conditions which may cause excruciating burns and possible disfigurement,” stated Fire Chief Bill Stoner said in a news release after one of the incidents.
“The consequences could stay with a person for life; it’s not worth the risk.”
