Most deaths from fire are caused by:

Smoke and heat are indeed the primary causes of fatalities in fire incidents. While visible flames can pose an immediate threat, it is the toxic gases released during combustion and the intense heat generated that lead to respiratory failure and other critical injuries. Smoke inhalation can incapacitate individuals quickly, often before they even realize the danger, leading to unconsciousness or death.

Heat can cause severe burns and can also affect individuals by causing confusion or disorientation, making it difficult for them to escape the situation. In fatal incidents, survivors often report the overwhelming nature of smoke—it obscures vision and irritates the lungs, significantly impairing the ability to breathe and escape.

Understanding this fact is crucial for developing effective fire safety protocols and educating people about the risks associated with fires, emphasizing the need for smoke alarms, proper ventilation, and emergency preparedness planning.