Fire within the moving and nonmoving motor vehicle is a deadly and catastrophic occurrence. An estimated 3500 people are killed annually in moving vehicle accidents complicated by fire, and another 100, 000 are burned and survive. It is unknown how many people are killed or injured yearly by fire in or about the stationary vehicle.

This clinical epidemiologic study surveys the records of the Galveston Shriners Burns Institute for Children from 1966 to 1972. During this period 1267 patients were treated in the acute and reconstructive wards. Thirty-eight burns occurred in motor vehicles.

Fractures, respiratory burns, burns to the face and hands, exposure to toxic gases, asphyxia, and death of fellow occupants are all complications seen in motor vehicle accident victims which increase problems of medical management. Details of the complications seen in both moving and nonmoving accidents are examined and compared to the average burn population. Study of etiologic factors of the burn itself is made.

Recommendations are made for acute care, increased federal flammability standards, and possible methods of prevention. Mandatory outfitting of all motor vehicles with dry chemical fire extinguishers is suggested as a method of decreasing morbidity and mortality of motor vehicle fire accidents.