Analysis of causes of death in 54 patients in the Zürich Burn Center has shown that pneumonia and septicemia occur secondary to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary infection and septicemia were the main causes of death in our cases. Pathophysiologically, a timetable of danger phases can be established: a) 1st day: death from unknown cause (organ edemas); b) 2nd to 6th day: pneumonia and pulmonary edema in combinations of varying degrees; c) after the 6th day: death from pneumonia and septicemia. Wound infection alone seldom causes septic death. From this it is concluded that the badly burned patient should not be overhydrated in the initial phase of therapy. Kidneys can be subjected to more strain than was previously supposed.