Fire and Explosions

Fire is a threat indoors and outside, and in urban and rural environments. It can arise from natural and technological sources, and puts life, property and natural resources in danger.

Urban fires are blazes spreading through structures, posing danger and destruction to property. These fires include any instance of uncontrolled burning which results in structural damage to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or other properties in developed areas.Fire fighters fighting a blaze

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetation, posing danger and destruction to property. Wildfires can occur in undeveloped areas and spread to urban areas where structures and other human development are more concentrated.

While some wildfires start by natural causes like lightning, humans cause four out of every five wildfires. Debris burns, arson or carelessness are the leading causes of wildfires. As a natural hazard, a wildfire is often the direct result of a lightning strike that may destroy personal property and public land areas, especially on state and national forest lands. The predominant danger from wildfires is the destruction of timber, property and wildlife, and injury or loss of life to people living in the affected area or using the area for recreational facilities.

Explosions are rapid and powerful combustion of fuels. They can be caused by the buildup of flammable gases, combustible materials, grain dust or by explosive devices.

Preparedness

What to do before a structural fire or explosion

  • Install fire/smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and purchase multi-purpose (Class ABC) fire extinguishers for your home and vehicle. Check detectors and fire extinguishers monthly.
  • Review emergency evacuation procedures in your home and workplace. Identify emergency exits and where fire extinguishers are located.
  • When traveling, choose a hotel or motel that is on the U.S. Fire Administration's "Hotel/Motel Fire-Safe List." This ensures that the hotel is properly outfitted with smoke detectors and automatic sprinkler systems. Search for Fire-Safe hotels/motels.

Response

What to do when an explosion occurs

  • Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
  • Exit the building ASAP. Do not stop to retrieve possessions.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Check for fire and other hazards like weakened floors and falling debris.
  • If you are trapped in debris, do not light a match. Cover your mouth to prevent inhaling dust. Whistle or tap to get the attention of rescuers.

What to do during a structural fire

  • Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
  • When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door.  Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat: burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).
  • If the door is NOT hot, open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route.  If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route, such as a window.  If clear, leave immediately through the door.  Be prepared to crawl.  Smoke and heat rise.  The air is clearer and cooler near the floor.
  • If the door is hot, do not open it.  Escape through a window.  If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence.
  • Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.  Stay below the smoke at all times.

Recovery

What to do after a structural fire or explosion.

  • Seek immediate medical attention for treatment of smoke inhalation, burns or other injuries.
  • Emergency shelter and assistance is available from the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
  • Contact your insurance company to have damage assessed and to file a claim.

For More Information:

U.S. Fire Administration - Disaster Fire Safety
Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety
FireWise - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Burning Restrictions & Fire Danger Rating - Minnesota DNR