You didn't do anything wrong, jabber. That story is a good illustration of how information gets passed around.

I can tell you this, though, because I work around firefigthters. They are never trained to apply anything to burns, only to cool them with water and cover with a sterile dressing.

You are absolutely correct: one of the biggest problems with serious burns is the possibility of infection. Applying butter or food is not considered a good idea. But you know, a lot of people still do it. It doesn't help any, and if you have to go to a hospital they have to try and get that stuff off as well as clean the wound. But cooling the burn as rapidly as possible? Absolutely.