Surgical fires: Still a burning issue in England and Wales

Abstract

A significant number of surgical fires occur each year and can have devastating effects on patients. The National Reporting and Learning System database identified 37 reports of surgical fires in England and Wales between January 2012 and December 2018 – over 52% resulting in some degree of harm. Surgical fires remain preventable adverse events that can be avoided by adherence to effective preventative strategies and improved education. This article surveys the existing literature, addressing the fire triad and how to effectively manage and prevent a surgical fire.