What is a common method of death in a fire due to the buildup of gases?

In the context of fire-related fatalities, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant concern because of the characteristics of combustion and gas production in a fire. During a fire, the burning process generates various toxic gases, with carbon monoxide being one of the most dangerous. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that binds with hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen does, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the body.

In a fire scenario, individuals often become incapacitated due to the intoxicating effects of carbon monoxide before they are subjected to flames or extreme heat. The symptoms of CO poisoning, such as confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness, can prevent victims from escaping the dangerous environment. Therefore, the presence of carbon monoxide in smoke and its potential to cause death make it a common method of death in fire situations, especially when combined with the likelihood of exposure during times of limited visibility and confusion.

While inhalation of hot gases and hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) are also critical factors in fire-related deaths, carbon monoxide poisoning stands out due to its rapid onset and prevalence in smoke from burning organic material. Hyperthermia is less relevant in the context of gases, as it pertains more to body overheating than to the effects of smoke inhalation