Blog

How Fast Can Fire Spread?

July 18, 2019|fsstechnologies

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. 
 

Speak with a fire system expert

Explore Our Other Blogs

diy-security-systems-Hero-min

DIY Security Systems

DIY home security systems have been on the market for years, offering homeowners the ability to order and install a simple-to-use system for their property. A DIY system often boasts cheap and easy security solutions for a home but are not the right fit for all homes. Cost-Benefits As with almost everything in life, cheaper isn’t…

Continue reading
Hero-min-(7)

How Landscaping Affects Your Security

Visibility When it comes to the landscaping around your home or business, there are several considerations to keep in mind that could affect your visibility and overall security. While some suggestions to increase visibility and reduce obstructions may seem obvious, others are more subtle and could have a considerable impact. Lighting Having adequate lighting around…

Continue reading
Hero-FireAlarmPanelsWork-min

How Do Fire Alarm Control Panels Work

Fire Alarm Panels A fire alarm panel is the control center for a fire alarm system. The panel acts as the central processing unit. It receives signals from the smoke and heat detectors associated with the system and sends out signals to the fire alarms, sprinkler heads, and local authorities.   If the panel receives…

Continue reading
how-alarm-monitoring-works-hero-min

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…

Continue reading
Hero-min-(18)

Items Burglars Want Most

Burglars move quickly. Because they tend to spend as little as ten minutes inside a home or business, several big-ticket items tend to fall prey to thieves. While some items on our list come to mind instantly, some may be more subtle. Outside of installing a security system, taking extra steps to secure your items…

Continue reading
5g-radio-waves-hero-min

5G Security Concerns & the 3G Sunset

Consumers are using the internet on the go more than ever. By 2022, it is projected that consumers will utilize nearly 11GB of data per month, primarily due to video consumption. To create a more robust and long-term solution, technology infrastructure is working towards the next generation of mobile networks: 5G. With this network upgrade…

Continue reading
Herocameras-min

Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal

The Difference in Security Cameras  Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same.    Why you ask? Consider these differences:  Various types and sizes of cameras  Indoor vs. outdoor cameras  Cameras that are easy to camouflage  Cameras that provide high-quality video footage  Wired cameras vs….

Continue reading
Heropanicbutton-min

Should My Business Have a Panic Button?

What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…

Continue reading
components-security-system-Hero-min

What are the Components of a Security System?

Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems. One system could even be comprised of enterprise-level networks that stretch across multiple locations. Understanding the essential components of a security system is the best way to start your search for…

Continue reading
FSS_safest-in-chicago_hero

Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago

There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe?   It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us