Several New Jersey Children Sent To The Hospital in Berkeley Twp.

It was nearly a very tragic New Year's in Berkeley Township after an accident involving 7 children and a fire pit led to a trip to the hospital for some of the kids on New Year's Eve.

Get our free mobile app

According to a Patch report, 3 of the 7 children ended up at area hospitals following the mishap in Ocean County.

"Authorities did not release the ages of the kids, describing them only as juveniles. Two were taken by Berkeley Township EMS to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated and released, the prosecutor's office said. A third one was taken by her parents to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, and she also was treated and released, authorities said."

Officials have not released the cause of the flash fire. The incident remains under investigation.

How Do You Safely Use A Fire Pit In Your Backyard?

Using a fire pit can be a great way to relax, but safety should always come first. Start by placing the fire pit on a flat, open surface well away from your house, deck, fences, trees, or anything else that can burn. Keep a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Only burn the right materials—clean, dry firewood is best. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or boost the fire. Keep the flames at a manageable height and don’t overload the pit. Windy nights can cause sparks to fly, so it’s best to skip using the fire pit when it’s breezy.

Always keep an eye on the fire, especially if kids or pets are around, and never leave it unattended. When you’re done, make sure the fire is completely out by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until everything is cool to the touch. Taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy your fire pit safely and worry-free.

LOOK: These are the 100 best cities to raise a family

Stacker collected 2023 data from Niche to compile a list of the top 100 cities to raise a family, based on school systems, crime rates, and more.

Gallery Credit: Emily Sherman

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

Gallery Credit: Bethany Adams

Filed Under: shore facebook