North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is appealing to the public to take great care in the outdoors after two people received serious burns in two separate camping incidents over the weekend.

A man in his 30s was injured at 18.13hrs on Friday (10th August) at a campsite in Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog after attempting to change a gas cylinder on a cooker whilst another cooker was still alight. He was transferred to hospital by ambulance and is now atWhistonHospitalreceiving treatment for burns to his arm and knees.

A 40 year old woman suffered burns to her face, neck and arms after using a butane cylinder on top of a grill at a campsite on Shell island, Llanbedr at 10.42 hrs this morning (Sunday 12^th August). She was taken to hospital by air ambulance and has since been transferred for treatment atWhistonHospital.

Dave Evansfrom North Wales Fire ad Rescue Service said: "Thankfully, the injuries received are not life threatening but both people have suffered serious burns which could have been avoided with a little extra care.

"We are concerned that people using gas cylinders or lighting a camp fire need to take the greatest of care. Try to avoid lighting an open fire - be responsible and use a proper camping stove and if using flammable liquids, follow the safety instructions, especially when refilling. Never leave naked flames unattended.

"When considering a camping trip away, either in a tent, caravan or a camper van, we would strongly urge everyone to take extra care. All camper vans and caravans should be fitted with a smoke detector and people can receive these completely free of charge by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service by contacting us free on 0800 169 1234. We will also provide free fire safety advice."

People should also take extra care when lighting barbeques and should keep to the following general fire safety advice:

- If you go camping or caravanning, check with landowners whether barbeques are allowed and never cook near flammable materials or long grass.
- Barbecues should also be used with great care - they should be sited on a firm level base of non-flammable material, away from buildings, trees or other items which could catch fire. Once lit, the barbecue should never be left unattended, and a bucket of sand or water should be kept nearby. Children and animals should also be kept well away from the barbecue to avoid accidents. After cooking, the embers should be allowed to cool completely before disposing of them.