This category includes deaths due to fire.

Many of those who die from this cause will die from burns, others from smoke inhalation.

All of the neighbourhoods with SMRs of 400 and over are in Scotland, and of these, all bar two (Eilean Siar Rural and Hamilton North) are in Glasgow. Scotland is followed by London and then the more urban parts of the country with more high-rise buildings. In comparison, rural areas tend to have much lower rates.

Fires are more likely to occur in domestic than in non-domestic premises; this may be explained by the fire regulations that cover non-domestic premises such as factories or offices. There are about 45,000 fires in domestic dwellings in the UK each year.

There are a number of causes of fires in domestic dwellings, including, of course, arson. Open fires, cigarettes and candles are common triggers, as well as faulty electrical appliances and cooking equipment. People may not be able to escape from a fire if fire escapes are blocked or inadequate or if, for example, double-glazed windows are locked and the keys are not readily accessible.

Older people who live on their own, people with disabilities and people under the influence of alcohol are most vulnerable if a fire breaks out in their home. Babies and toddlers are also vulnerable as they are less able to escape from burning houses without assistance.

Fires in domestic homes can be prevented by enforcing housing standards, home safety checks and modifications, functioning alarms and advice and information to vulnerable groups.

Thirty-one people died in a fire at the King’s Cross underground station in 1987.