FIRE: HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

FIRE: HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

FIRE: HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

A fire is one of the most devastating situations a homeowner will ever face. Understanding the causes and behavior of fires will keep your property and family safe.

Most home and business fires start within the building. Many house fires begin in the kitchen. All it takes is a drop of grease to splatter out of a hot pan on to a gas flame and you have a dangerous kitchen fire. Another example is careless smoking, especially around textiles is a significant cause of house fire. Smoldering cigarette dropped into a trash can full of paper could ignite into flames. If he fire is not extinguished immediately, it could spread through the structure.

What is fire?

Fire is a chemical process of combustion releasing heat, light and various reaction. It requires three things to occur: oxygen, fuel and an ignition source. These three ingredients are needed to ignite and sustain a fire.

How does fire spread?

A fire can spread through your property very quickly. It only takes a few seconds for a smoldering ash or spark to ignite a curtain or a couch cushion. In just a few minutes, the flame can sweep the entire room.

• Chemical and combustibles

When fire comes in contact with chemicals, household cleaners and paints, the fire will become more aggressive and encourage it to spread.

• Open space

A building with limited interior structure urns much faster than one with a hallways and closed doors because walls and doors trap the fire and prevent the flames and smoke from spreading.

• Materials

Buildings made of concrete and steel are more resistive to fire than and curb the spread of fire than made of wood frames.

• Ventilation

HVAC ventilation system offer a conduit through which smoke and flames can travel from room to room or floor to floor.

• Water

Do not use water, especially in the kitchen where the fire may be fueled by grease. Water will simply spread the flames, rather than extinguish them.

For fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup services, please call us SERVPRO of Ventura at (805) 656-3911.