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The Nature of Fire
Every day Americans experience the horror of fire; most people do
not understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can
we prepare our families and ourselves. Each year more than 4,000
Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of
which could be prevented.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), believes that teaching
people the basic facts about fire can reduce fire deaths. Below
are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics
of fire.
Fire Spreads Quickly!
In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get out of control and
turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke
to fill a home. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most
fires occur in the home when people are sleeping. If you wake up
to a fire, there wont be time to grab valuables because fire spreads
quickly and the smoke is thick. Think only of escape for you and
your loved ones. Fire is HOT!
A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be
well over 100 degrees at floor level and rise to over 600 degrees
at eye level. Inhaling superheated air will scorch your lungs and
melt clothes to your skin. A flashover can occur within five minutes
igniting everything at once.
Fire Conditions are DARK!
If you want to get a good idea what it is like to be in a
fire situation, just put on a blindfold.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces very thick black smoke
and utter darkness. If you wake up to a fire chances are your vision
will be obscured at best.
Byproducts of Fire
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous
gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic
gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. Odorless,
colorless gas fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames
reach your door, not allowing for escape.
Fire Safety Tips
1. In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest
enemy and every second counts!
2. GET OUT-Escape first, then call 9-1-1 using a neighbors
phone or cell phone.
3. DEVELOP A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN-and designate a meeting
place. outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways
to escape from every room.
4. PRACTICE BLINDFOLDED-Try escaping a "mock fire",
always crawl low under "the smoke" and try to keep your
mouth covered. Practice a home escape plan with your family. Never
return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your
life.
SMOKE ALARMS, SMOKE ALARMS, SMOKE ALARMS...Finally,
most importantly, ensure your home has a working smoke alarm, use
manufacturer direction for placement of units. Having working smoke
detectors dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
For More Information Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
**The above references were obtained from National Fire Academy
materials
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