 In the United States , fire and hot liquids are the most common causes of burns . Of house fires that result in death , smoking causes 25 % and heating devices cause 22 % . Almost half of injuries are due to efforts to fight a fire . <unk> is caused by hot liquids or gases and most commonly occurs from exposure to hot drinks , high temperature tap water in <unk> or showers , hot cooking oil , or steam . <unk> injuries are most common in children under the age of five and , in the United States and Australia , this population makes up about two @-@ thirds of all burns . Contact with hot objects is the cause of about 20 @-@ 30 % of burns in children . Generally , scalds are first- or second @-@ degree burns , but third @-@ degree burns may also result , especially with prolonged contact . <unk> are a common cause of burns during holiday seasons in many countries . This is a particular risk for adolescent males . 
