Dealing with fire damage at your home can be devastating. To reduce the risk of this disaster, practice preventative measures to keep your household safe. Below is a comprehensive overview of how a fire starts to help you understand how to exercise caution in daily life.

The Fire Triangle

The fire triangle is composed of the three elements that must be combined for a fire to occur. These elements include heat, fuel, and oxidization. One of the elements must be taken away to extinguish a fire. For instance, a fire cannot ignite or grow without heat. That’s why firefighters use a cooling agent, such as water or a chemical fire retardant, to diffuse the fire. Fire also requires a fuel source for combustion to occur. The most common fuel sources include wood, chemicals, and fabric. Oxygen is the last element required for a fire to continue burning, which is why dirt or non-flammable blankets are used to smother a flame. 

Stages of a Fire

There are four main stages of a fire. The first stage is ignition, which is when the fire is first started. It’s still contained enough at this stage that a fire extinguisher can take care of it. The second stage is growth, which occurs by adding more fuel to the fire. When the fire is fully developed in the third stage, it becomes more difficult to control. The last stage is when the fire either burns out on its own or is smothered by another source. The stage that a fire reaches determines the degree of fire damage left behind.

Even with the necessary precautions, accidents still occur. If you have suffered fire damage in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the team at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services in Lexington, KY. For over 60 years, this locally owned and operated company has specialized in comprehensive restoration and reconstruction services for fire damage, storms, and mold. Give them a call today at (859) 309-9964 to schedule an inspection or visit their website for more information about their full range of services.