Commonly Asked Questions About Fires

For most people, they won’t have to deal with an emergency situation such as a fire, however, you should always be prepared and well informed about fires. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about fires.

What should I do if I spot a fire?

If you spot a fire in the workplace then you should sound the nearest fire alarm to alert others in the building. Following this, follow the evacuation plan that your business has in place by evacuating the building using the stairs if possible and going to the meeting point. If you are trained in fire safety, use your nearby fire extinguisher to calm down the fire if it is safe to do so or alert the emergency services.

Can water make a fire worse?

Every fire is different and may require a different course of action to put out the fire or prevent it from spreading. While water-based solutions are usually a great way of dealing with fires, in some cases the reaction between water and particular materials can make the situation worse. It’s best to use a fire extinguisher that correlates to the type of fire you’re dealing with and the type of environment you’re in.

How do I make a fire evacuation plan?

An evacuation plan is extremely important as it could be the difference between staying safe or not. Fire plans first require a fire risk assessment of the area to identify a relevant strategy, evacuation routes, risks and more. These details should be explained to new starters when going into the business so they are fully prepared for any fire-related incidents.

How quickly do fires spread?

It can take as little as 30 seconds for a manageable fire to turn into something disastrous - that’s why early detection is crucial. Synthetic materials, wood, wall hangings and countless other factors can accelerate the spread, giving even less time to stop the fire before it spreads.



What are the most common causes of fires?

One of the most common causes of workplace and residential fires is electrical faults including bad wiring or overloaded sockets. Additionally, clutter and appliances also contribute to fires. 

At Thameside Fire Protection, we have over 30 years of experience, Thameside Fire Protection is a family-owned business that’s grown to be one of the largest fire protection companies in the UK. We offer a range of services including training courses and fire safety installations. Get in touch with us today for more information.