The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires. Actual flames and burns only account for about 30 percent of fire-related deaths and injuries. The majority of fires that kill or injure children are residential fires.

What kills you first in a fire?

The Carbon Monoxide Might Kill You First

This only happens in large fires, where multiple people were executed at once. Dying from carbon monoxide is also common for people caught in house fires.

Why do people die on fire?

The characteristic biphasic distribution of carboxyhemoglobin in fire victims together with other observations suggest that the principal causes of death are carbon monoxide followed by carbon dioxide poisoning and/or oxygen deficiency, while the influence of heat is considered to be of minor importance.