Why Fires are Dangerous
Last updated:Fires in buildings are a threat to safety for four main reasons:
3.1 Toxic Fumes
Many plastics and other synthetic materials give off toxic gases and fumes as they burn. This is particularly true of many of the foams that are used to make furniture.
3.2 Smoke
An essential part of the burning process is the generation of smoke and fumes, which may not be toxic but will initially, cause choking, loss of vision and panic. Longer exposure could lead to unconsciousness and death as a result of oxygen starvation.
3.3 Burning
Fires produce heat and extreme heat will cause burns to skin and lung tissue, eventually making breathing impossible. Though minor burns will eventually heal, more major burns may leave disabling and disfiguring scars. Burns to large areas of the body can be fatal due to the loss of body fluids.
3.4 Structural Damage to Building
Fire will weaken the structure of a building, so there is always the risk of collapse either during the fire or at some later date.