What accounts for the majority of fire-related deaths?

The majority of fire-related deaths are attributed to smoke inhalation rather than direct burns or injuries from other incidents. Smoke inhalation occurs when individuals are exposed to toxic gases and particulate matter produced during a fire, which can lead to respiratory failure, asphyxiation, or other life-threatening complications.

During a fire, the combustion process generates a range of harmful substances including carbon monoxide, which displaces oxygen in the blood. This makes it difficult for individuals to breathe and can quickly incapacitate them. Even in cases where burns occur, it is often the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases that is the primary cause of fatalities.

In contrast, while falls and injuries from falling debris can be hazardous during emergencies, they do not account for the leading cause of deaths in fire situations, with many fatalities instead resulting from the damage caused by smoke inhalation.