Dangers of Fire

When fire consumes common materials found at home and in the workplace, it produces a mixture of heavy smoke, toxic gases, heat, and flames. Fire is the third-leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In less than 30 seconds, a small fire can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a room. Structures can be completely engulfed in flames in just a few minutes.

Fire uses up the oxygen we breathe and produces smoke and toxic gases that can rapidly fill a room and may quickly overcome a person if they inhale even small amounts. A fire’s heat alone can be deadly. For instance, room temperatures in a fire can be 100° at floor level and rise to 600° at eye level. Inhaling this hot air will scorch your lungs. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once.

In the event of a fire, remember that time is the biggest enemy and every second counts. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered with a towel. Escape first, activate a fire alarm pull station, and call for help. Know the signal to evacuate your work area and know how to exit in the quickest, safest manner. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Question?

1. How long does it take for a small fire to grow to a large, uncontrollable fire?

a) a few minutes

b) less than 30 seconds

 

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