Deaths from fires and burns are the fifth most common cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States (Center for Disease Control-Atlanta) and the third leading cause of fatal home injury. Many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable and continue to pose a significant public health problem.

Smoke and toxic gases can be as deadly as heat and flames. Actually, the majority of people die or get injured in fires because of exposure to hazardous smoke and toxic gases and not actual burns. In addition, smoke often obscures vision and thereby decreases the ability of fire victims to escape. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the major cause of death following smoke inhalation.

Fires also cause expensive loss of property and income, such as the loss of a home or business. More information about the Anderson County fire Department, and the various fire departments operating in the county can be found from their website by clicking here.