SYDNEY, Australia, 2025-06-16
Sauna Scare: influencers Near-Death Experience
An Australian influencer, Dominique Elissa, recounted a terrifying experience involving an exploding outdoor sauna during a wellness retreat preparation.
- Dominique Elissa was preparing for a wellness retreat in northern New South Wales when the sauna exploded.
- The explosion caused a massive fire and knocked out all power and phone reception.
- Elissa managed to contact authorities and escape the burning sauna, shaken but unharmed.
What happened to the influencer Dominique Elissa? In a recent TikTok video, 29-year-old Dominique Elissa described a harrowing experience were an outdoor sauna she was about to enter exploded.She was preparing to host a wellness retreat in remote northern New South Wales.
“I’m in the middle of nowhere, there’s not a neighbor for 200 meters, there is no reception,” Elissa said in the video, highlighting the isolation of the location. She had turned on the sauna the night before to heat it up.
“I’m about to put my swimmers on to go … and I hear ‘Boom.’ I look up. The entire sauna exploded,” she recounted. The explosion was massive, she said. “It was, like, a 10-to-15-meter high explosion. All the power went out, my phone was about to die, I had no reception, I am screaming, ‘Help, somebody help me.’ It was a horror movie.”
Despite the lack of cell service, Elissa managed to contact the local authorities. Fire trucks arrived to extinguish the blaze. The sauna, located approximately 50 meters from the house on a hill, was wholly destroyed.
Despite the traumatic incident,Elissa,a pilates instructor,somehow managed to continue with her wellness workshop the next day,though she admitted she was still struggling with anxiety.
Reflecting on the experience, Elissa shared, “I am so grateful to be alive, so grateful to be here. I’m definitely going to see a therapist … get some help, but my life lesson to you is that life is fragile, you have no idea what curveballs life is going to throw at you.”
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Elissa, also a podcast host with over 73,000 followers on TikTok and 284,000 on Instagram, admitted she spent the following days “laying low,” emphasizing the importance of how one reacts to such events.
Fans flooded her social media with messages of sympathy,with many also inquiring about the sauna’s brand,hoping to avoid a similar incident.
Sauna Safety: Preventing Explosions and ensuring Wellness
Following Dominique Elissa’s frightening experience, the incident highlighted the importance of sauna safety. sauna explosions are rare, but they can be devastating. Proper maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines are key to prevent these incidents.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, experts suggest several factors could have contributed. Faulty wiring, improper installation, and overheating are potential culprits. Over time, heat can degrade electrical components, increasing the risk of malfunction. Moreover,the use of flammable materials near the heating elements could fuel a fire if a malfunction occurs.
Elissa’s experience serves as a stark reminder of potential hazards. Here are some critical safety measures:
- professional Installation: Always have a qualified electrician install and inspect your sauna.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections to check electrical components, wiring, and heating elements.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of excessive heat and moisture.Adequate airflow is crucial to prevent overheating.
- Material Choice: Use only sauna-approved wood and avoid flammable materials near the heater.
- Temperature Monitoring: Install a reliable thermostat and temperature monitoring system. Never exceed the recommended temperature for your sauna.
- Fire Safety: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure you have a working smoke detector.
- Maintenance: Clean the sauna regularly and replace any damaged or worn parts immediately.
How can you tell if your sauna is overheating? watch for warning signs such as unusual smells, sparks, or the smell of burning wood.If you notice any of these signs, immediately turn off the sauna and contact a professional.
Sauna explosions can be attributed to various causes. Malfunctioning electrical components and improper installation or maintenance are common factors. Overheating can also trigger an explosion, notably if flammable materials are nearby.
To ensure safe operation, homeowners should regularly maintain and inspect saunas per manufacturer guidelines, paying close attention to electrical components and ventilation. Consider these factors to ensure the longevity and safety of your sauna:
- Type of Heater: Electric heaters are most common and require careful attention to wiring and temperature controls. Wood-burning stoves need proper ventilation and chimney maintenance.
- Wood Type: Use sauna-specific lumber known for its heat resistance and low resin content.
- Ventilation System: Adequate airflow is vital to remove moisture and maintain a safe operating temperature.
- Grounding and Wiring: Faulty electrical wiring can result in electrical shock or ignition of flammable materials.
- Placement and Clearance: Ensure the sauna is installed on a level surface and that ther is sufficient clearance between the heater and surrounding materials.
Taking these precautions helps ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience. The well-being benefits of saunas – relaxation, detoxification, and improved cardiovascular health – should never come at the expense of safety. It’s essential to prioritize safety above all else.
Sauna Safety FAQs
Q: How often should I inspect my sauna?
A: You should have your sauna professionally inspected at least once a year. Consider monthly visual checks for any anomalies.
Q: What type of wood is best for a sauna?
A: Softwoods like cedar, spruce, and pine are popular because they don’t get too hot. Make sure the wood is specifically designed for saunas.
Q: How can I tell if the heater is malfunctioning?
A: Look for unusual smells, sparks, or uneven heating. If you notice anything unusual, turn off the sauna and contact a professional immediately.
Q: what should I do if my sauna starts smoking?
A: Immediately evacuate the sauna, turn off the power if it is safe to do so, and call the fire department.
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