ABSTRACT
Thermal injuries result from heat and direct flame impingement upon the skin, underlying tissue, and mucosa. A fatal fire may require processing of both a death scene and a fire scene. Deaths attributed to fire are caused by asphyxia due to smoke inhalation and thermal tissue injuries. Fractures of the extremities of fire victims may be caused by excessive shrinking of the muscles. The investigator should thoroughly photograph and document the exposed body. Photography of burned remains is very difficult due to the lack of contrast. Burns are classified according to the depth of tissue damage. They are classified as: first-degree burns; second-degree burns; third-degree burns; and fourth-degree burns. Immediate deaths are the results of burns or smoke inhalation. Delayed deaths may occur even months after the fire and are usually caused by shock, fluid loss, infection, or respiratory failure.
