Can anyone explain why when someone gets burn it continues burning after the heat source is removed?

I have never been able to find an answer to this interesting question. It is true that the tissue continues to get more burn damage if not cooled off with cool water immediately. A true story demonstrates this concept. There was a women who was severely burned on her entire arm and shoulder. She immediately sunk her arm, as much as would fit, into a near by bucket of water. The portion that was under water ended up a second degree burn while the portion that didn't fit in the bucket was 3rd degree. I wish I had the answer for you as it is a curious phenomenon.

the tissue, of course, is not continued to be burning. however, the nerves are damaged & continue to "fire." therefore the brain interprets the feeling as if the burning were continuing.