How Fast Can Fire Spread?
What Is Fire?
Fire is the result of a chemical reaction called oxidation. Oxidation is the combination of oxygen with another substance. In the case of a fire, the oxidation happens so quickly that light, heat, and sound are released.
A fire needs oxygen, heat and fuel to burn. These factors are frequently referred to as the “fire triangle.” The chemical reaction is the fourth element, which is the fire itself.
Fire Fuel
A fire can be fueled by many things, especially items in homes and businesses. Today’s furnishings are made primarily of synthetic materials which are highly combustible. Paints, cleaners, magazines, newspapers, paper, clothing, window treatments, wood moldings, and trim are all combustible. Some of the most flammable liquids commonly kept in the home include rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, aerosol cans, non-dairy creamer, and gasoline. Items like this make it easy for a fire to spread once started.
Open spaces also allow fires to spread quickly, particularly areas like the ductwork for central heating or air conditioning.
Fire Spread Rate
In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can become engulfed in flames.
These are the sobering statistics regarding house fires displayed by Ready.gov, the official website of the Department of Homeland Security. Ready.gov and The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA stress the importance of having an up-to-date fire escape plan, as well as working smoke alarms in homes and businesses. The NFPA also suggests installing fire sprinklers when building or remodeling homes. Sprinklers can be key in containing and even extinguishing a fire before the fire department arrives on scene.
Putting Out Fires
To put out a fire, you must remove one of the three elements of the fire triangle: oxygen, heat, or fuel. Fire extinguishers essentially put fires out by taking away one or more of these elements.
Because fire spreads so quickly, the NFPA says that the number one priority for people during a fire is to get out. Yes, fire extinguishers can put out a fire confined in a small area, but they have limitations and they will not work in every situation. Additionally, many civilians do not know how to operate a fire extinguisher properly.
You may think that filling a bucket full of water is a good way to douse the flames, but that will not always work. For example, the oxygen source for flammable liquids like oil, alcohol, gasoline, paint, or propane must be removed to put out a fire. A stream of water may spread the flaming material rather than neutralize it.
How to Prevent Fires
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to test your smoke detectors and fire alarms regularly and create a safety plan for your home and office. No matter where you are in a building, always know where the nearest exits are and how you can exit a multi-floor building safely. You should also always know where the areas of refuge are located in multi-story buildings.
Fires can occur suddenly and without warning, and they can spread incredibly quickly. Every second counts so plan at least two ways out.
FSS Technologies specializes in residential and small business fire alarms as part of your total security system solution, as well as the design and installation of complete life safety systems in large commercial properties.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…
7 NFPA Codes Every Business Should Know
Business owners have an enormous responsibility to ensure their employees and customers are protected from fire hazards. Companies in industries like manufacturing and property management each face unique challenges in preventing fires and meeting code requirements. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the world’s leading experts in fire and life safety, has published…
Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work
An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next? If you have a monitored security system, it won’t just be the neighbors or passerby alerted to…
Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?
It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city. But Are They Working? This simple question has no simple answer. According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related crimes…
How Security Cameras Work at Night
Security Camera Night Vision Light is crucial for a camera to work. Without light, the camera can’t see anything, so how do security cameras work at night? Infrared radiation (IR), or infrared light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to human eyes. It is essentially energy, a heat, that all objects emanate….
Are All Home Security Systems the Same?
Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information. All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new categories…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
How to Conduct a Physical Security Audit
Protecting your livelihood is at the top of every business owner’s mind, but how do you know if your business is truly protected? By performing a physical security audit, you can fully assess any threats that your business might be subject to and take the necessary steps to mitigate those threats. During a physical security audit, each aspect of the business and its security…
Testing Fire Alarm Call Points
Most large commercial-grade fire alarms today are addressable systems. Unlike conventional systems that use fire alarm zones, addressable fire alarm systems assign a unique “call point” to every device. Each one sends a digital signal to the main panel, creating a two-way line of communication that shows activations and status updates. An addressable panel can then identify…
How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?
Fire sprinkler systems work by detecting heat from fires and releasing water to extinguish them. Different components work together in various configurations to boost a structure’s fire and life safety measures. Learn how a fire sprinkler system works, what your options are, and why it’s a necessary investment for your business. What are the main…