A backyard fire pit tragedy that left a mother of two with severe third-degree burns and cost them their house turned what should have been a joyful summer evening into a nightmare for one family.
A unexpected gust of wind blasted lighter fluid from the fire pit straight onto Emma Colwell’s body, engulfing her in flames as she enjoyed a night out with her husband Andrew and friends.
Emma remembered that I was tearing off all of my clothes. In an attempt to extinguish the flames, my husband continued rolling me over.
In a desperate attempt to put out the fire, Andrew hurried her into the shower as she fled inside in panic and shock. Emma remarked, “I noticed skin all over the bath when I looked down.” I had gone into shock.
Andrew assisted her in leaving the house as smoke swiftly spread throughout it, but it was too late to save their residence.
Emma remarked, “I thought I was yelling for help at the end of the driveway.” Later on, however, I was informed that nothing was emerging. My skin was melting off, they said. I realized then that things would never be the same in my life.
Doctors confirmed that Emma had third-degree burns on almost 30% of her body, with the worst injuries being on her legs and back, after she was taken to the intensive care unit. According to the Mayo Clinic, these burns, which are among the worst, harm all layers of the skin and can spread to the muscle and fat.
Emma spent a month in critical care and had ten skin graft surgery in the weeks that followed. According to Andrew, we were unsure if Emma would make it.
The family’s house was gone by the time she was stable enough to be discharged.
Emma responded, “We lost everything.” Both good and awful days exist. I worry about more operations some days. I never thought this kind of thing would occur. I could have died, and it happened in an instant.
Emma claims that despite the trauma, the event has changed the way she views the world. It helped me understand what and who really matters. I no longer take anything for granted.
