Causes of Fire Incidents

Causes of Fire Outbreaks

Fires pose a significant threat to all forms of life on Earth, including humans, animals, and plant life. Various factors contribute to these severe environmental challenges, and the primary causes of fire outbreaks include the following:

Human-Related Causes

Human activities account for approximately 85% of wildfires in the United States annually. These fires may result from activities such as burning debris, neglecting to properly extinguish campfires, or carelessly discarding items that can ignite fires, such as cigarette butts. Additionally, arson is a significant contributor to fire incidents.

Naturally Occurring Causes

Lightning is one of the most common natural causes of fires. There are two types of lightning: cold and hot. Cold lightning involves a brief but intense electrical discharge, while hot lightning has lower voltage but lasts longer. Notably, fires often originate from the longer-lasting hot lightning strikes.

Actions to Take in the Event of a Fire

It is essential to implement a series of precautionary measures upon hearing a fire alarm or witnessing a fire. The recommended steps include:

When Hearing the Alarm

Upon hearing the fire alarm, follow these steps:

1. Check the doorknob or door for heat. If it feels unusually warm, do not open the door as the fire may be on the other side.
2. If the doorknob is cool, slowly open the door, then proceed to the nearest exit if the hallway is clear of smoke. Avoid using the elevator.
3. Always remember to close doors behind you.
4. Do not hesitate to alert emergency services if you suspect someone may be trapped inside.
5. Once outside, gather at a designated meeting area and refrain from re-entering the building during the fire.

Upon Discovering a Fire Inside a Building

If you find a fire inside a building, follow these steps:

1. Do not hesitate to assist someone in need, provided it does not endanger your life.
2. Trigger the fire alarm as quickly as possible.
3. Close all potential windows and doors to help contain the fire’s spread.
4. Extinguish the fire if you are trained to use a fire extinguisher effectively.
5. If the fire intensifies, evacuate the building as swiftly as possible.

If You Are Trapped

If you find yourself trapped by a fire, take the following actions:

1. Place a wet cloth around the door to prevent smoke from entering the space.
2. Seal as many openings or doors between yourself and the fire as possible.
3. Avoid breaking any glass in front of you unless absolutely necessary.

Notable Fires in History

Here are some of the most significant fires recorded throughout history:

Year	Event
1923	Fires sparked by earthquakes between Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, resulting in 142,807 fatalities.
1729	The Great Fire of Constantinople, leading to over 7,000 deaths.
2001	Collapse of buildings due to fires in New York, claiming 2,749 lives.
2002	An explosion at an arms depot in Lagos, Nigeria, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities.
1871	The Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin, USA, which resulted in 1,152 deaths.
1934	The city of Hakodate fire in Japan that claimed 1,500 lives.