‘Too Hot to Handle’: Man Suffers Third-Degree Burns From Walking on Sand Dunes in Scorching Heat

A European visitor suffered third-degree burns on his feet after briefly walking barefoot on the scorching sand dunes in California’s Death Valley National Park over the weekend. The incident occurred at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where the 42-year-old Belgian man was taking a short walk. Due to language barriers, it was unclear whether his flip-flops had broken or were lost during his walk.

Incident Details

Temperature Extremes: The air temperature on the day of the incident was around 123°F (50.5°C), but the ground temperature was significantly higher.

Emergency Response: The man’s family carried him to a parking lot, where park rangers transported him to a higher elevation for safety. A medical helicopter then airlifted him to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, home to the Lions Burn Care Center.

Common Burns: The burn center often treats patients with contact burns from hot surfaces like asphalt and concrete, common in the urban areas of the desert southwest, including Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Safety Warnings in Death Valley

Extreme Heat Alerts: Death Valley National Park has seen record high temperatures this summer. At Badwater Basin, the park’s lowest point in North America, a large red stop sign warns visitors about the dangers of extreme heat after 10am.

Hiking Restrictions: Park rangers advise against hiking after 10am and recommend staying within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle.

Safety Precautions: Visitors are urged to drink plenty of water, consume salty snacks, and wear hats and sunscreen to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

Broader Context

Thermal Injuries: Thermal injuries from hot surfaces are also common in Arizona’s Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. Blazing-hot surfaces like sidewalks, patios, and playground equipment pose significant burn risks.

Heat-Related Fatalities: The severe heat in Death Valley has previously resulted in fatalities, including the recent death of a motorcyclist from heat-related causes.

This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines and being prepared for the extreme conditions that characterize Death Valley and similar desert environments.