An increase in the number of young children burned at fire rings in recent weeks has prompted officials to remind parents to use caution while around hot flames and coals.

In the past three weekends, three 2-year-olds suffered second-degree burns. And burns have been reported the past five weekends at Huntington State Beach alone, said State Parks spokesman Kevin Pearsall.

So far this year there have been eight reports of fire ring burns in the county – seven children and a 22-year-old who was intoxicated, Pearsall said. Most of the burns have been to children ages 2 to 5.

Two years ago, in response to a rise in child burn incidents at fire rings, state lifeguards added the words “CAUTION HOT ASHES” in bold red letters on the rings to remind visitors of the potential danger.

The number of injuries declined last year, with six reports for the entire summer.

Concrete around the rings is intended to protect users from injury – meaning in most child burn cases, children are climbing onto the rings and falling in.

“It’s hard for us to find out why this is happening,” Pearsall said. “This is just too many kids.”

He said the majority of the burns are second degree, but two third-degree burns have been reported in recent weeks. Ninety percent of burns are to the bottom of children’s feet.

Pearsall said adults need to pay extra attention to kids playing near the fires.

“I just think when you’re on the street or in an amusement park, you are extra cautious to make sure your kids are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I think people get relaxed in a beach environment and think, ‘As long as our kids aren’t by the water, they are OK,’” he said.

Pearsall said State Parks maintenance cleans and removes ashes from each ring every morning. But even if it doesn’t look as if there is fire in the rings, he said, they can be hot.

“Coals and fires can stay hot for up to 48 hours after the fire,” he said.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com