What is commonly associated with the highest risk of fatalities during a fire incident?

The highest risk of fatalities during a fire incident is commonly associated with the absence of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms play a critical role in detecting smoke and alerting occupants to the presence of a fire, often providing early warning that can save lives. If there are no smoke alarms, individuals may remain unaware of the danger until it is too late, significantly increasing the likelihood of fatalities due to smoke inhalation or being trapped in a fire situation.

While factors such as high temperatures, lack of trained personnel, and delayed response times also contribute to the overall risk in fire scenarios, they don't directly increase the likelihood of occupants being alerted to a fire. The presence of smoke alarms is vital for ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to evacuate safely and promptly in the event of a fire, making their absence a critical safety concern.