Facts that you should know about fire
June 2008

Everywhere in the world, people experience the horror of fire. But most people don't understand fire.

Fires are much more common in summer as the heat increases significantly. However the danger is constantly with us everywhere at any moment during the year. Therefore prevention and management education for everybody is of great importance.

Educating people about fire prevention, behavior and management of situations in case of fire, can be precious. Unfortunately not enough is done in this field. Coupled with irresponsible behavior, this is a root cause of many fire disasters experienced in various parts of the world.

Only when people get to know the true nature of fire, they can prepare themselves,  their families and communities against the perils of fires. Each year thousands of people around the world die and much more are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented.

A fire can happen in your home or in the wild. It can be very dangerous. It spreads so quickly that you have no other choice than immediately go away from the life threatening situation. The poisonous gases produced by fire do not allow you to act and think correctly, the heat and smoke damage your eyes, skin and lungs.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire.

Below are some simple facts, provided by USFA, that explain the particular characteristics of fire.

Fire is FAST!

There is little time!

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house.

In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames.

A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!

Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.

Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!

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.

The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

Fire Safety Tips

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!

Escape first, then call for help. 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.

Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.