As civilizations developed, people learned to use fire in different ways. People used fire to cook food, to shape weapons and tools, to change clay into pottery, and to furnish light. Modern people have improved their ways of kindling fires. They also use fire in many more ways. Fire provides the energy to drive machines and keeps industries running.
Fire is used to remove and destroy waste materials.
In addition, fire is used to separate most metals from their ores, and to forge and shape those metals into useful things. Controlled fire is useful, but fire also destroys things. Each year, uncontrolled fire kills thousands of people and destroys billions of dollars worth of property. An escape plan must be created and practiced so that each person knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire in their home. This comprehensive site maintains updated information on fires, fire prevention, and safety.