Fire deaths in children in South Australia from 1989 to 1998

A study was undertaken of childhood deaths caused by fires in South Austral ia over a 10-year period from 1989 to 1998. A total of 23 deaths of childre n occurred with an age range of 2 months to 16 years (mean 5 years 10 month s; M:F = 13:10). Fourteen deaths were associated with house fires, I;ur wit h fires in cars and four were miscellaneous ol unspecified. While house fir e deaths remained the major cause of childhood fire deaths (65%). deaths in car fires accounted for a significant proportion of cases (17%). Although the numbers are small, cars represented a specific danger because of their confined space with highly flammable interiors, lockable doors. and built i n non-childproof lighters. Cars should not be regarded as suitable places t o leave young children, or for children to play in unsupervised.