Effects of Fire Damage

June 23,2020

For a fire to ignite, there are three requisites, i.e. heat, fuel, and oxygen. Understanding the nature and workings of fire can help you prevent fire damage to a large extent. It only takes a little search online to find firms such as Alorair which can help you forestall possible fire risks and fire damage.

Oxygen: Fire needs oxygen to burn. If you cut out oxygen from a fire scene, the fire will die out.

Fuel: a lot of the stuff that hangs around our space in offices and at our homes can fuel a fire. Some materials are better fuels than others. Some of the most lethal fire fuels include gas and similar flammable liquids. The fuel lying around catches fire and heats nearby materials until they catch fire too. Therefore, it is a great idea to clear your space of excessive flammable materials, where possible.

Heat: heat sources are many around our spaces. You need to manage the heat sources so that they do not have to be too close to flammable materials such as fuels.

Effects and Dangers of fire damage:

Carbon Monoxide

The effects and dangers of fire go beyond just heat. When a fire erupts at home, there is a high rate of carbon monoxide and CO2 emission. Other thermal and chemical irritants are also likely to be emitted from the combustion processes. Emissions carry the potential to harm both humans and animals. They can even cause death, as has happened in many cases. Incomplete combustion leads to the production of carbon monoxide. You all know how dangerous carbon monoxide gas can be, especially when inhaled in significant quantities. When you inhale carbon monoxide, you are likely to experience most or all of the following symptoms: headache, weakness, dizziness, a hazy feeling which makes you confused and even faint.

Asphyxiation – a death trap

Carbon monoxide leads to respiratory complications for the person inhaling the gases coming from the fire processes. Indeed, inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide leads to loss of consciousness and death. Note that when there are high levels of carbon monoxide, it becomes harder for people caught in or around the fire to escape.

Carbon dioxide: Like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide is a result of chemical reactions in the course of fire. Excessive carbon dioxide causes respiratory problems. Fire scenes produce plenty of carbon dioxide too.

Smoke: smoke also causes respiratory complications for those who inhale it. When you inhale smoke, the throat is lined with soot. Breathing problems arise because of smoke inhalation. Smoke can also destroy your airways. Smoke also comes with several chemical irritants such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride chlorine, and ammonia.

Parting Shot

The effects of fire damage are expansive. Fire causes damage to both life and property. Learning characteristics of fire, the types of fire, how fire erupts, and what you can do to forestall unwanted fires in your space will save you, life, and money. More importantly, since fire is likely to erupt at one point or another near us or involving us at some point in our lifetime, it is well-advised to learn what one should do when caught in a fire scene. Actions such as cutting out oxygen supply and removing the fuel source where possible can help put out a fire and help us save life and property.