3-Year-Old Morgan Hill Boy Severely Burned in Fire Pit Explosion

URGENT UPDATE: A 3-year-old boy from Morgan Hill is recovering from severe burns sustained during a fire pit explosion on October 4. Sebastian Reynoso was preparing to make s’mores with family when the tabletop fire pit suddenly exploded, igniting flames that enveloped his face, neck, and arms. He has since been hospitalized for more than a month, enduring multiple surgeries to treat second- and third-degree burns covering approximately 15 percent of his body.

Sebastian’s father, Omar Reynoso, shared the family’s distress, stating, “His future is kind of unknown.” The family was unaware of any safety issues with the fire pit, manufactured by Rozato, which has been linked to numerous safety warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In a December 2024 alert, the CPSC cautioned against using fire pits fueled by alcohol or liquid fuels, citing at least 60 injuries and two fatalities since 2019.

Sebastian was transferred from St. Louise Regional Hospital to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for specialized treatment. His ongoing care has been intense, involving six surgeries, including skin grafts and procedures to address a swollen airway. He remains intubated and faces significant rehabilitation ahead, with additional surgeries scheduled.

“He’s a very strong kid,” Omar expressed, highlighting the emotional toll on their family as they navigate this crisis. The boy’s condition has left him confused and withdrawn, reflecting the impact of his injuries on his once active lifestyle. His parents have remained by his side, with his mother sleeping at the foot of his hospital bed while Omar has been there every step of the way.

The community has rallied to support the Reynoso family, creating a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $47,000 toward a $200,000 goal for medical expenses. “We are so thankful,” Omar remarked, expressing surprise and gratitude for the outpouring of support.

The financial burden is significant; the family received a bill for an ambulance ride totaling $14,000, with insurance covering only a fraction of that cost. Additionally, Sebastian requires laser treatment for his burn scars, which will not be covered by insurance as they are deemed cosmetic.

Despite these challenges, the Reynoso family is determined to provide Sebastian with all necessary treatments, regardless of the financial implications. Omar stated, “We don’t care what the cost is, we’re still going to do it. We’ll go in debt for our lives.”

As Sebastian continues his fight for recovery, the family remains focused on his healing journey, hoping for a brighter future as they navigate this unexpected tragedy. The incident serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with household fire pits, urging consumers to ensure safety compliance to prevent similar incidents.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sebastian’s recovery and the community’s ongoing support efforts.