Burning questions: A 10-year retrospective study of fatal burn cases in the Eastern Metropolitan area of Cape Town, South Africa.

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization estimates that annually, 300,000 deaths are flame- or fire-related. Burn injuries represent a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. South Africa experiences a high incidence of fatal burn injuries, particularly in informal settlements where fire safety measures are often inadequate.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compile a descriptive profile of fire-associated fatalities, highlighting demographic trends, temporal characteristics, causes, and circumstances of death. The secondary objectives were to determine evidence of vitality, pathology of burns, blood alcohol concentration, carboxyhaemoglobin concentration, and toxicological results in fire-associated fatalities.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was done, collecting data from all fire-associated fatalities admitted to the Tygerberg Medicolegal Laboratory between 2011 and 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 1358 fire-related fatalities were identified. The majority were males (67.7%). Informal housing was a predominant contributing factor due to the socioeconomic challenges in these communities, leading to the use of open flames, candles, and paraffin stoves. Most fire-associated fatalities occurred in winter, on weekends, and during early morning hours. The most common manner of death was accidental. The study highlights the occurrence of soot deposition as evidence of vitality in fire-associated deaths.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the significant role of adverse socioeconomic factors and informal housing conditions in fire-associated deaths, emphasizing the need for community education on fire safety, safe cooking practices, proper handling of paraffin stoves, and responsible alcohol use. Increased efforts should target areas with prominent informal housing to facilitate access to electricity and safe cooking facilities.