Burns management is complex and has evolved significantly over history as we have greatly increased our understanding of burns pathophysiology, particularly from great wars and fire disasters. Ancient burns care, dating back to 1,600 B.C. consisted of topical therapies involving ingredients such as honey, oil, plant extracts, animal fats and mud. These were ineffective at preventing infection at the wound site which is a frequent cause of mortality in burns patients. The first description of dressings on a burn wound was the use of onions by Ambrose Pare in the 16th century. Over the next few centuries, this was followed by pressure and occlusive dressings, and now modern day biologic and antimicrobial dressings. The 18th century was a pivotal time in the advancement of burns treatment, especially on the battlefield. Surgeon James Earle identified that immediately cooling burns reduced long-term morbidity in burns patients and pioneered the practice of ‘first aid’ in burns using ice. During this period, experimentation of skin grafts in the context of burns was beginning and Georg Pollock performed the first successful pinch graft in a burn patient. Today, burns management incorporates advanced wound care alongside early resuscitation to ensure better outcomes for burns patients.