As those of us in Sevier County know all too well, there are few forces as dangerous or as destructive as fire. The Gatlinburg fires ravaged our lands, our homes and our businesses, and what wasn’t destroyed by the flames sustained heavy damage from smoke, and from the water used to put the flames out. We wanted to take a minute to talk about fire safety, and the statistic regarding fires in and around the home, so that we can all avoid another tragedy.

Fire-related accidents and fire-related injuries statistics

Fires, fire-related accidents, and fire-related injuries are a serious problem, as data gathered by the U.S. Fire Administration shows. In 2014:

• Cooking led to 50% of fires in residential buildings
• 12.5% of fires resulted from heating accidents
• Electrical failure caused 6.3% of fires
• Appliances caused 4.2% of fires
• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and the like led to 2% of fires

What kind of injuries do people sustain from fire-related accidents?

People sustain a variety of injuries as a result of fire-related accidents and the aftermath. The most common injuries include:

• First-degree burns, which are similar to sunburns, affect the top skin layer, and usually go away naturally within a week or so.
• Second-degree burns, which affect lower skin layers, lead to swelling, are painful when touched, are susceptible to infections, and often go away naturally within a month or so.
• Third-degree burns, which affect all skin layers, leave the skin a leather-like appearance, and involve painlessness due to victims’ nerves being damaged. They do not heal on their own, require plastic surgery or skin grafts, and are extremely susceptible to infections.
• Fourth-degree burns, which involve all skin layers being completely burned, and muscles, bones, and nerves being damaged, which can lead to painlessness and to infections. Fourth degree burns often necessitate amputation or plastic surgery, and many are fatal.
• Gas inhalation
• Smoke inhalation, which can lead to obstructed breathing, seizures, and comas
• Toxic-exposure-related injuries

If you were in a fire not of your making and sustained injuries as a result, turn to the Sevierville personal injury attorneys at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC. We can help you if you have sustained injuries because of the negligence of someone else. For more information, call us at (865) 428-8780 or fill out our contact form. We proudly serve Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.