What happens to basement in a fire?

Many basements in private dwellings and commercial buildings alike are wide-open areas with large amounts of flammable stock, furniture and other debris. Once a fire takes hold, it can rapidly spread across the ceiling in seconds and trap or threaten firefighters operating down there.

How do you survive a fire in the basement?

To survive you must STAY INSIDE until the fire passes.

1. Close all windows and doors; place wet towels under door and window openings.
2. Have your fire extinguishers out and ready to use.
3. Fill sinks, tubs, and buckets with water for extinguishing any embers that enter the space as well as for drinking and flushing toilets.

How common are basement fires?

Basement fires are fairly common and quite devastating. Even if a fire is noticed soon enough and firefighters respond quickly, there is typically extensive smoke damage to the house, especially if a basement doesn’t have windows or a second entrance from the outside.

How do you respond to a basement fire?

Home basement/ storage room/garage fire Call 911. Keep doors closed if you can’t get out. Stay close to the floor. Remove damaged items when safe.

What Burns first in a house fire?

First 30 Seconds Spattered grease or oil residue on a dirty stovetop will ignite, causing flames to travel across the range. Oil residue on cooking utensils also ignite, and other combustibles like paper towels, paper or cardboard packaging, and dry dish towels nearby will begin to smolder or burn.

How do you ventilate a basement fire?

Ventilating basement fires

1. Coordinate ventilation with interior attack crews.
2. When possible, utilize exterior basement entrances; otherwise, the main stairwell is your access.
3. Consider cutting ventilation holes in the first floor near exterior walls for ventilation of heat/smoke from the basement.

What makes basement fires one of the worst kinds of fires to fight?

A basement fire is dangerous because its main means for ventilation is the interior stairs of the home. This pathway allows for the free vertical flow of hot gases and fire into the structure.

How quickly can a house fire spread?

How Fast Does Fire Spread? 30 seconds. It takes all of 30 seconds for a manageable fire to turn into something that is dangerous and fast-moving. Synthetic materials, wood, wall hangings and countless other factors can accelerate the spread, giving even less time to stop the fire before it spreads.

Do basements burn in house fires?

Basements are more vulnerable to flooding and water damage than other areas of the home. However, fires can also start in the basement, considering that we keep heat-generating equipment in this area. Here’s a look on how you can prevent fires in your basement: Install a smoke alarm.

How do you fire a house safely?

Top Tips for Fire Safety

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
2. Test smoke alarms every month.
3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.