32 self-immolation deaths by fire occurred in Ontario from 1986-88. The victims, mostly male, were between the ages of 21 & 71 years old. Many of these individuals had, at some time, indicated their intent to commit suicide, but only about half had a diagnosed psychiatric illness. Most of the victims had a reason to kill themselves, but the factors that influenced their choice of method were uncertain. Strained interpersonal relations were the major reason behind most of the deaths. (23 refs.)