Fire can happen anywhere. A fire in a large building creates an enormous risk to everyone. Less than five minutes is all it took. This leaves you very little time to sit around and think about what you are going to do. Fire does not sit around and wait for you to decide. Know what you are going to do, because the hesitation you may have if you are unprepared can mean the difference between life and death. Own fire safety equipment and be well versed in its use. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire blanket, etc. These items will help to save your LIFE !
Growth and Speed of Fire
The following is a timeline of an actual 2-story house fire. It will show you just how fast fire spreads:
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· 0:30 Fire ignites and grows rapidly.
· 1:04 From first flame, fire spreads and smoke begins to fill room.
· 1:35 Smoke layer descends rapidly, temperature exceeds 190°F.
· 1:50 Smoke detector at foot of stairs alarms. Still time to get out.
· 2:30 Temperature above couch over 400°F.
· 2:48 Smoke pours into other rooms.
· 3:20 Upstairs hall filled with smoke – Escape more difficult.
· 3:50 Two minutes after smoke detectors sounds, 2nd exit is only way out.
· 4:33 Flames just now visible from exterior of house – first evidence of fire from outside.
AT THIS POINT, RESCUE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE.