Burns could occur from many different sources, but the most common cause of burns is from fires. This could be a fire that occurs in an apartment building without a smoke detector. Chemical burns usually occur with people who are working in a factory around caustic materials. Chemical burns are common with clients that go to the salon to have work done on their hair. The chemicals used in a hair salon are very strong and could result in burning of the scalp. Other causes of burns result from contact with electrical wires.