ABC7 has a compelling article that raises public awareness about the alarming speed and intense heat of house fires:
Did you know that after your smoke alarm goes off, you typically have just three minutes to escape your home safely? That time has dropped dramatically over the years—from 17 minutes in the past to barely three today. This change is due to the materials used in modern homes.
To demonstrate this, the Alsip Fire Department created two room mockups. One was filled with older, antique furniture made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and down. The other resembled a typical modern home with synthetic furniture made from chemicals such as polyurethane and hydrocarbons.
Firefighters lit both rooms at the same time using a candle. In just one minute and thirty seconds, the newer furnishings were engulfed in flames, reaching what firefighters call a "flashover." Meanwhile, the older furniture burned much more slowly—taking over 13 minutes before a flashover occurred.
"Today’s products are mostly synthetic," said Thomas Styczynski, Fire Chief of the Village of Alsip. "They're essentially solid gasoline. They ignite faster and release toxic gases like cyanide, not just carbon monoxide."
It's not just furniture that contributes to faster fires. Research by Underwriter Laboratories in Northbrook shows that modern construction materials also increase risk. "Lightweight construction uses laminated beams and trusses, which are great under normal conditions," explained Ron Hazelton. "But in a fire, they collapse much sooner than traditional wood."
"Solid wood burns from the outside in, so even if it chars, its structural integrity remains for a while," Hazelton added. "These materials burn hotter and faster, and when they fail, it happens almost instantly."
Of course, most people aren't going to switch to vintage furniture. But some homeowners are choosing to pay an extra 2% on new construction to install sprinklers. Retrofitting existing homes is more expensive, but many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with sprinkler systems.
If you're not ready to invest in sprinklers, there are simpler steps you can take. Replace batteries in your smoke detectors every six months, keep your belongings organized to allow space, and limit the number of items in small rooms. Also, always keep doors closed as much as possible—it can slow the spread of fire between rooms.
More than 90 communities in Illinois now require sprinklers in new single-family homes and townhouses. While that might not be an option for everyone, staying alert and prepared is key. Regularly check your smoke detectors, ensure your wiring, furnace, and appliances are in good working order, and create a fire escape plan with your family.
Thanks, Dan
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