CAMPFIRES are putting our children at risk.

Two Warwick youngsters were among 56 patients treated for serious burns at the state's hospital for children last year.

Boys under five years old are the most likely victims.

Many children are left with crippling foot injuries after walking on sand-covered hot coals that can still be at 100 degrees 24 hours after the fire's last flames have disappeared.

Warwick Fire Brigade acting station officer Mark Sullivan said it was important to use only water to put out campfires.

"Campfires that are covered with sand not only keep their heat for longer but are also disguised and can look like a sand-pit or sandcastle to small children," Mr Sullivan said.

"Even eight hours on, the 'sand-pit' may have a temperature in excess of 300 degrees less than 10cm below its surface.

"Children severely burnt on their hands and feet can undergo months or years of intensive therapy to reduce scaring and regain mobility in their limbs."

Lady Cilento Children's Hospital burns and trauma director Roy Kimble said the hospital was treating an increasing number of campfire burns victims.

In 2014, 56 children hurt by outdoor fires were admitted to the then Mater Children's Hospital.

Dr Kimble said coals and ashes caused 46 of those burns.

In 2013, campfires hurt 44 children - 39 of those were burnt by coals or ashes.

"More than half of the children we saw in 2014 were under five years and more than 90% were under nine," Dr Kimble said.

"Just over half the campfire burns injuries were suffered by boys."

He pleaded with parents to make sure they did the safe thing when camping.

"All it takes is one second of body contact with hot coals to cause very serious burns. Burns can mean ongoing surgery to maintain function in the injured limbs," he said.

Mango Camping owner Keith Harthorn said camping was still a popular activity despite the onset of winter.

"Some people come to experience the cold," Mr Harthorn said.

"When camping in winter, as many people that can light a campfire, have one.

"The biggest problem though, is that people are not aware of the risks and neither are their children."

Mr Harthorn said another issue with campfires were children playing dangerously with the fire.

"It's not just people not putting out the fires properly, it's also about children poking the fire with a stick, or throwing items into the fire to flare it up," he said.

"Then the child gets burnt."

Mr Harthorn also said it was a good idea to carry a fire blanket or small extinguisher, generally available from a hardware store.

"They are compulsory in caravans and camper trailers, but I think they're always a good accessory to have," Mr Harthorn said.

Dousing a campfire:

•  The safest way is to cover it with at least 10 litres of water.
•  This will cool the fire to a safe temperature in 10 minutes.
•  If a child receives burns, place the injured area under cool running water for 20 minutes and immediately seek medical treatment by phoning 000.

Source: Lady Cilento Children's Hospital