Have you ever heard the term “flashover”? Do you know how fast fire spreads throughout your house? Do you have a home escape plan? For the answers to these questions, and more, watch this video from the Oak Ridge Fire Department.
The Fire Department demonstrates how a fire that starts in a trash can in the corner of a room can “flash over” at 1,150 degrees and engulf an entire room in flames in about three minutes.
ORFD Chief Darryl Kerley said the Fire Department would prefer that residents not try to fight fires themselves unless they’ve had training in using a fire extinguisher and have it immediately available.
Two Oak Ridge homes where residents tried to fight fires on their own before calling 911 were completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, Kerley said.
“We prefer you exit out of the house, dial 911, do not go back in,” Kerley said.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department had a fire demonstration earlier this month at Fire Station No. 3 as part of Fire Prevention and Public Education Program Month.
More information and videos about Fire Prevention Month and home escape plans are available on the ORFD’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeFireDepartment.
Tennessee is in the top 5 states in the nation in fire deaths. State Fire Marshal Gary West said there are more than 98,000 homes in Tennessee without working smoke alarms. The State Fire Marshal’s office, in conjunction with fire departments across Tennessee, has installed more than 35,000 smoke alarms free of charge since November 2012. The Oak Ridge Fire Department will install and inspect smoke alarms free of charge and assist residents with developing a home escape plan.
A press release earlier this month said the Oak Ridge Fire Department is distributing more than 3,000 DVDs illustrating the need for home escape plans to students from kindergarten through fifth grade in Oak Ridge. The DVD was produced by the Oak Ridge Fire Department and can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiASKeU5sk8.
mary connolly says
Thanks, John. This is a great public service message.
johnhuotari says
You’re welcome, Mary. Thanks to the ORFD for producing it and sharing it.
Rick Morrow says
Just read Cornwell’s Point of Origin and it talked about “flashover”. This was a great illustration. Thanks ORFD for putting this together. I will respond to fires differently because oif this.
johnhuotari says
I had heard about flashovers while covering fire stories, but never completely understood what one is. This video makes it clear. Three minutes really isn’t that much time when you think about trying to get you and your family safely out of the house.