The majority of deaths due to a smoke or fire situation are a result of:

The primary cause of fatalities in smoke or fire situations is smoke inhalation and exposure to oxygen-deficient fire gases. As fires burn, they consume oxygen in the environment and produce a range of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which can be extremely harmful or lethal when inhaled. In many cases, individuals are incapacitated by smoke before they can even reach the flames, leading to their demise from suffocation or poisoning rather than direct injury from the fire itself.

This understanding is crucial for fire safety protocols, as it emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation, smoke detection, and public education on the dangers of smoke inhalation during fire emergencies. Recognizing that smoke poses a greater threat than the flames can guide the development of effective fire prevention and response strategies.