Physical findings of facial burns, singing of facial and nasal hair, facial edema, stridor, and respiratory distress are often associated with upper airway burns.
Note that upper airway burns are minimized by the ability of the upper airway to dissipate heat. Normally, a person can breathe air at 199F degrees for 30 minutes or aire at 480F degrees for 3 minutes without serious injury.
The inhalants of most concern in the immediate period are Carbon Monoxide and Aldehydes.
Excacerbation of COPD and asthma is common.
Personal fire shelters, a small single person shelter of aluminum/fiberglass cloth can reflect 90% of heat. They are carried by forest fire-fighters.