Residential fire-related deaths in Babel : a study of 266 fire-related deaths, 1986-1994

Abstract EN

Background: Thermal deaths or fire-related deaths constitute a major public health problem worldwide, in addition to its economic and medicolegal impacts.

Deaths due to fire accidents represented the fifth leading cause of accidental deaths in USA, the third in Russia, and the forth worldwide.

As to it economic impact, it has been estimated that the dollar loss in millions due to fire deaths in USA was $11,307 in 2006.

The medicolegal impacts of fire-related injuries are very important, it has been reported that in USA, about 10% of the cases of child abuse involved burns.

In addition, criminals sometimes use fire for disposal of their victims to hide evidences that may lead to their criminal acts.

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of residential fire-related deaths among the population of Babel governorate to identify the risk factors, the causes of these deaths, and to compare results with those obtained in other countries of the world.

Material and Methods: The study included 266 residential fire-deaths in Babel from 1986 to 1994.

The data were obtained from autopsy records for all deaths that have been autopsied in the Medicolegal Office in Babel.

The sex, age, causes of deaths, the risk factors, the extent of burns, and the degree of burns were determined for each case.

Statistical analysis of these date were done and the correlations between various factors were studied.

Results: From 1986-1994, 266 cases for residential fire-related deaths were received and autopsied at the Medicolegal Office in Babel.

The incidence rate of fire-related deaths in Babel was 3.5 per 100,000.

The highest rates of these deaths occurred in the younger age group (<30 years).

About more than half of deaths occurred between October and March.

There was a female preponderance.

The most common predisposing factors were ignorance and carelessness.

About 60% of burns were of the second degree, and 50% of the cases were having burns with percent exceeding 80%.

The most common cause of death was the direct effect of the dry heat on the body.

The nature of fire deaths was accidental in 95% of the cases.

Conclusions: The incidence rate of fire-related deaths in Babel is one of the highest rates in the world.

These deaths occurred predominantly in the youngest age groups and the incidence was higher among females than males.

The highest rate occurred in the coldest months of the year.

Most of deaths were due to direct effect of dry heat on the skin and the internal organs.