As winter approaches, burn prevention organizations are sounding the alarm over the seasonal spike in fire-related injuries, particularly in underserved communities. In a sobering interview on SABC News, Children of Fire founder Bronwen Jones and burn survivor Edwin Maimela highlighted the preventable tragedies that escalate during colder months—from paraffin stove explosions to children left unsupervised near open flames.
A Crisis Decades in the Making
Jones, whose NGO has operated for 30 years, noted that while the causes of burns evolve, the devastation remains constant. “Thirty years ago, we didn’t have loadshedding. Now, people switch from electric stoves to paraffin when the power cuts—often placing them on the same surface, which can lead to explosions when electricity returns,” she explained.
Maimela, who suffered severe burns at age four after playing with a paraffin stove while unsupervised, echoed the urgency of education. “I learned too late not to play with fire,” he said. “Now, I tell others: stay safe. Winter makes everything riskier.”
Life-Altering Consequences
The physical and emotional toll of burn injuries is staggering. Jones shared the story of a survivor who, at 31 years old, has undergone 45 major surgeries and still needs more. “Skin tightens as children grow, requiring repeated operations. Many can’t access or afford care, leading to lifelong disabilities,” she said. Prosthetics and reconstructive surgeries—costing upwards of R2 million per child—are often out of reach for families.
Maimela, now in his twenties, spoke candidly about societal stigma: “People react to how I look. But this is my life—I’ve learned to own it.”
Critical Safety Measures
The NGO urged these immediate precautions:
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Never leave children unattended, especially near heaters, stoves, or candles.
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Replace candles with battery-powered torches or LED lights.
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Avoid placing paraffin stoves near electrical appliances.
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Use fire blankets in kitchens and ensure homes have clear escape routes.
“A hot water bottle or an extra blanket is cheaper than a funeral—or a lifetime of surgeries,” Jones emphasized.
A Call for Systemic Change
With South Africa’s overburdened healthcare system struggling to provide specialized burn care, Children of Fire appealed for government intervention. “We need more surgeons and targeted funding,” Jones said, directing officials to their website (www.firechildren.org) and Twitter (@childrenoffire).
As winter sets in, the message is clear: “Prevention saves lives. A moment’s negligence can alter a child’s future forever.”
