The DeKalb Fire Department wants to assist you in educating you about fire, and believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fire. In 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames.
Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep.
If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly. There is only time to escape. Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 90 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.