Flames from the fire, hot coals, hot food, or hot water can burn people. Sparks can start a forest fire. To prevent such accidents, always watch fires and make sure they are put out when leaving. Other less obvious, but potentially deadly fire dangers, are carbon monoxide and rock explosions. It bonds with red blood cells easier than oxygen.
Small amounts can displace vital oxygen in the bloodstream and cause death.
For those of you who watch Survivor II, one of the contestants was badly burned a few weeks ago when he passed out from carbon monoxide and fell into the fire. Rock explosions occur when water contained within rocks boils and turns to steam. Because it is under very high pressure, this steam will blow rocks apart into fragments traveling as fast as bullets. Do not put rocks around fires that have been wet as they will blow without warning and send dangerous shrapnel in all directions. Objects such as empty beer bottles with the cap put back on can also explode when thrown into a fire.