Boy, 4, Set on Fire During S’mores Demo at Children’s Museum

A fun family outing turned into a fiery nightmare when a 4-year-old boy was suddenly engulfed in flames at an Oklahoma children’s museum — allegedly during a hands-on s’mores-making activity gone horribly wrong.

Little Ryker Corona was celebrating a summer Saturday at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole when the unthinkable happened. Witnesses say the child was handed a s’more by his mother during an indoor demonstration that involved a grill and hand sanitizer — a dangerously flammable combination, according to those on the scene.

“He Was Flopping Around, Trying to Put Himself Out”

“In an instant, the flames just shot up,” said Daycee Phillips, a close family friend who watched the terrifying scene unfold. “I looked down and the little boy’s on the floor, like, flopping around, trying to put himself out. It was chaos.”

Another friend, Makala Pevehouse, claimed that Ryker was completely engulfed in fire before frantic parents began dousing him with water.

“He was on fire. His chest, his face, his arms — second-degree burns. He was just screaming,” Pevehouse told reporters. “We’re just grateful he’s alive.”

Rushed to the Hospital by Helicopter

Emergency crews responded around noon on June 21. Ryker was airlifted to a hospital in Oklahoma City for treatment of his injuries. Family members say he remains in stable condition but faces a long recovery.

The horrifying incident reportedly occurred during a special summer event at the museum featuring an indoor s’mores-making station. Museum officials said the setup was meant to be fun and educational — but now it’s the center of a safety investigation.

Museum Suspends Activity, Vows Safety Review

In a statement, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum acknowledged the accident and said the s’mores activity had been suspended pending a full review.

“First aid was administered immediately by trained staff, and emergency services were contacted,” the statement reads. “The safety and well-being of every child and family who visits our museum is our highest priority.”

The museum said it is “evaluating and revising safety protocols” and promised to “learn from the situation.”

Despite multiple requests, officials declined to release further information about how the fire started, citing privacy concerns.

Questions Mount About Flammable Materials

While the museum has yet to confirm what sparked the fire, witnesses said hand sanitizer — which contains highly flammable alcohol — was used in close proximity to an open flame or heated element.

“Something exploded,” Pevehouse said. “That shouldn’t happen at a place where kids are supposed to be safe.”

Experts warn that many alcohol-based sanitizers, when exposed to heat or flame, can ignite within seconds. In recent years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued warnings about using such products near grills or fire pits — particularly in indoor or poorly ventilated areas.

Community Rallies for Ryker

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Ryker’s medical care and his family during recovery. The fundraiser notes the boy will require extensive treatment for burns and could face long-term physical therapy.

So far, the community has rallied around the family, with donations pouring in from across Oklahoma and beyond.

What Comes Next?

The Seminole Fire Department and Police Department are both involved in the investigation, though no official findings have been released. It’s unclear whether the museum will face civil or legal consequences.

“This little boy came here for a treat, not a trauma,” said one local parent outside the museum Monday. “Someone needs to be held accountable.”

Ryker’s family has not issued an official statement, but friends say they are focused on his healing and determined to ensure no other child suffers the same fate.

For updates on Ryker’s recovery and more on this developing story, stay with us. If you’d like to support the family, the verified GoFundMe can be found on our site.