Kodiak bonfire explosion at a weekend party injured eight teenagers. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and five of the eight teenagers are recovering at Anchorage’s Alaska Native Medical Center.
Dr. Elisha Brownson, the only fellowship-trained burn surgeon in the state, said that burn injury recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. According to her, time is necessary for psychosocial recovery, pain management, treatment, and healing. Even though there will be difficult days, progress is usually visible week by week. Brownson noted that hospital stays generally correspond to the percentage of the body burned, helping guide patients and families.
So far this year, ANMC has treated over 100 burn patients, with about half admitted. Around a third of these cases involve children with many injuries caused by hot liquids or flame burns. Recovery for young people, she said, depends heavily on age, with children and older adults facing more demanding challenges, while teens and young adults often recover more quickly.
ANMC’s comprehensive care includes physical and occupational therapy and psychosocial support for patients and their families. For more considerable burn injuries, the hospital prioritizes survival, function, cosmetic outcomes, and rehabilitation. Brownson explained that visible injuries raise concerns about returning to school work and community, emphasizing the need for mental preparation.
Scarring severity is often a significant concern, though Brownson said it can be difficult to predict and takes months to determine. Functional mobility is another focus, especially for children and teens monitored for at least two years post-injury. Since joining the organization eight years ago, Brownson has contributed to the expansion of ANMC’s burn treatment capabilities. These include skin grafting and advanced “spray-on” skin technology, which speeds healing.
A young person has been taken into custody by Alaska State Troopers for the Kodiak bonfire explosion as he hurled a 55-gallon gasoline barrel onto the bonfire. Authorities are looking for witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
