Which statement correctly describes the risks faced by patients trapped in a fire?

Patients trapped in a fire face significant health risks primarily due to exposure to toxic fumes resulting from incomplete combustion. When materials burn, not all combustion is efficient, leading to the release of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other harmful substances. These toxins can impair oxygen delivery to the body and lead to serious respiratory distress or even death, often before burn injuries become the primary concern.

While burns are indeed a serious risk in fire situations, the immediate threat to life often stems from inhalation of these toxic fumes rather than the burns themselves. Therefore, the correct statement accurately highlights the dangerous conditions that individuals face in such environments.