A fire has a way of sneaking up on you. It may very well be considered a thief. The only difference is that you can never regain what was lost.

For this article, we would like to focus on the importance of fire safety and security for both homeowners and business owners. With this in mind, let’s start with the basics.

Fire is hot! If this isn’t obvious enough, fire can definitely burn. Moreover, heat is actually more threatening than the flames of a fire. The room temperature in a fire can range from 80 to 100 degrees at the floor level. This could rise up to 600 degrees at eye level. This is more than enough to melt the clothes on your skin!

Fire is very fast. A small flame can quickly turn into a major fire in less than 30 seconds. This is why you should have an adequate fire suppression system. You have to be ready as it would only take a few minutes for black smoke to fill a big house or a floor on a tall building.

Fire is dark. Stemming from the previous point regarding black smoke, fire may be bright at first. However, this could quickly turn into black smoke. Thus, covering everything around you in darkness.

Fire can kill. Another no-brainer fact: fire is deadly. Remember, black smoke and various toxic gases kill more people than the actual flames. These gases can make you drowsy and disoriented. Asphyxiation is considered as the leading cause of many fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

The Attributes of Fire

Fire typically occurs when combustible fuel is in the presence of oxygen. Moreover, when it is at an extremely high temperature, this fuel becomes gas. One of the reasons as to why fire is very dangerous and unpredictable is because it can also occur even from low-temperature sources. Even combustible materials would eventually reach their ignition temperature.

The Fire Triangle

Stemming from the previous point, it is important to know what are the causes of fire, as well as the proper ways of stopping them. Of course, you should also have your own fire suppression system within your home or the building that you work in to ensure the safety and security of everyone within the premises.

Nevertheless, the Fire Triangle includes three components – fuel, heat, and oxygen. This diagram will help you understand the elements of fire. Thus, you are better equipped with handling it.

Your Plan of Action

It is important to always be prepared. Thus, you should have an adequate Fire Escape Plan on top of your Fire Suppression System. Moreover, it is always helpful to mention that prevention is key. If you run a business, ensure that your staff can quickly control smoking materials and open flames. On the other hand, keeping your home safe and fireproof would entail the need to constantly inspect your heating sources.

In the end, your knowledge as to the elements of fire (remember the Fire Triangle) can help you save your or someone else’s life.

At Westminster Fire, we can help you find, install, and maintain a reliable fire suppression system for your home or business that will not only save your property but also help save lives.