What is a major factor contributing to fire-related deaths?

Smoke inhalation is indeed a major factor contributing to fire-related deaths. When a fire occurs, the combustion of materials generates smoke filled with toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and other harmful substances. This smoke is often more dangerous than the flames themselves, as it can incapacitate individuals quickly, impairing their ability to escape and leading to suffocation.

In many cases, victims may succumb to smoke inhalation before they are physically burned by the fire. This is particularly true in closed environments where smoke can accumulate, reducing breathable air and increasing the potency of toxic gases. The severity of smoke inhalation injuries can also depend on factors such as the duration of exposure and the nature of the burning materials.

While burn injuries, heat exposure, and chemical burns can also lead to serious harm and fatalities in fire situations, it is the inhalation of smoke that is primarily responsible for a significant number of fire-related deaths, underscoring the importance of smoke detection and ventilation systems in fire safety measures.