Burns exert a catastrophic influence on people in terms of human life,suffering, disability, and financial loss. Outcomes for burn patientshave improved dramatically over the past 20 years, yet burns stillcause substantial morbidity and mortality. Proper evaluation andmanagement, coupled with appropriate early referral to a specialist,greatly help in minimizing suffering and optimizing results.During the past two decades, deaths from burn injuries havedecreased. This decline has been attributed to improved firefightingtechniques and improved emergency medical services. The use ofsmoke detectors has significantly reduced the severity of burn injurieswith an estimated 80% reduction in mortality and 74% decline ininjuries from residential fires. Educational programs remindinghomeowners to lower the thermostat on water heating units as well asteaching children to extinguish flaming cloth by stopping, dropping,and rolling have had a significant impact. Consequently, all medicalleaders agree that the best treatment of burn injuries is prevention.