Harrowing footage shows horrific burns Florida toddler, 2, suffered after falling into a blazing fire pit at campsite while playing with a bubble wand: 'His pants melted off him'
A Florida toddler was left with horrific second-degree burns to his body after he tripped and fell into a fire pit while playing with a bubble wand.
Finny Strait, two, was playing outside with the soapy toy on New Year's Day during his family's camping trip in Gainsville, Florida, when he suddenly tripped.
The boy, from St. Cloud, Florida, fell into the fire pit – while his 11-year-old brother Weston and mother Tabitha quickly rushed to rescue him from the flames.
Mother of four Tabitha Shay told Fox 35 about her son's ordeal: 'When I grabbed him, his pants melted. They looked like nylon and were melting.
“They melted for me and I tore them off.”
Finny was left with 18 percent burns on his tiny body, while his clothes began to melt onto his skin. He suffered second and third degree burns to his legs and hand.
Finny Strait, two, was playing outside with the soapy toy on New Year's Day during his family's camping trip in Gainsville, Florida, when he suddenly tripped
The boy, from St. Cloud, Florida, fell into the fire pit – while his 11-year-old brother Weston and mother Tabitha quickly rushed to rescue him from the flames
His family rushed him to the hospital after the accident. He is now slowly recovering at UF Health Shands Hospital with his parents by his side.
It was Weston, Finny's older brother, who bravely reached into the burning fire pit and picked his brother up as his mother ran to help.
Tabitha added, “He grabbed Finny's sweater and said to me, 'Mom, it took me a second to process what happened. And then I said, 'Oh my God!' and I just took it out.
“Somehow he managed to do that without causing himself any boos, which is a miracle. But we are very proud of him. Very proud.'
Finny's father, Jeff Strait, said, “He just randomly ran backwards straight into the fire.”
“You know, what are the chances of that happening? It's hard not to blame yourself at first.'
Tabitha added, “I thought I had a handful of friends, and it turns out I have a whole village of friends.” Jeff said, “I'm relieved by how many people have reached out to us for help. We really appreciate that from the bottom of our hearts.'
Finny with his parents Tabitha and Jeff. They have informed family and friends of the boy's recovery
His family rushed him to the hospital after the accident. He is now slowly recovering at UF Health Shands Hospital with his parents by his side
Finny was left with 18 percent burns on his tiny body, while his clothes began to melt onto his skin. He suffered second and third degree burns to his legs and hand
In the photo: Finny's burns on his hands
Since the ordeal, both of Finny's parents have been out of work as they continue to support their son from hospital. Their car was also towed from the hospital parking lot, according to the boy's grandmother.
Jeff's mother and Finny's grandmother, Tami Basye, have one fundraising page for them. So far they have reached $7,800.
She wrote, “Imagine starting the new year with a phone call from your son telling you that your grandson is going to the hospital because he fell into the campfire.
'My heart stopped. My name is Tami and my son's family needs help. Our 2-year-old Finny is in the burn unit of the hospital being treated for third-degree burns on the back of his legs and his little baby hand.
“He is expected to make a full recovery, thank God, but it will take some time.
Finny with his brothers, who quickly helped the boy out
“My son and his wife have four children and they are all out of town supporting each other. Both parents miss work.
'Once Finny comes out of hospital he will need further healing time at home before returning to nursery, so someone needs to be at home with him.
'Their car was towed from the hospital car park because the tires were over the white line.
“It takes a village in these situations, so I'm asking for your help.” The family will keep friends updated on Finny's recovery as the days pass.
Tabitha wrote on January 5: 'Finny was able to have his bandage changed without morphine!!! He also seems to be walking a little better than yesterday.
'I can't wait for my little man to be 100% himself again.' And on January 6, she added: “They said we changed the bandages properly and took Finnys IV out.
'We should have a follow-up examination next Wednesday to remove the semi-permanent bandages and re-evaluate. 'Finny got fries and was allowed in the car.
'We are so overwhelmed and grateful that we can go and get him a chip shop whenever he needs it without having to worry about the bank account. It's been a huge help.
'Here are the next steps!!!'