Why do firefighters break all the windows during a fire?

Breaking out any windows during a fire is something you should NOT do! It can make the fire much worse and decrease the chances of survival for trapped occupants if not done correctly.

When firefighters break out windows during a fire, they are using a scientific approach, learned during extensive training, to extinguishing the fire. Windows are broken in coordination with firefighters on the inside extinguishing the fire to create an escape route for the superheated steam and gases to escape. Without the windows being removed, the steam could burn the firefighters and hinder rescue efforts of any trapped victims.

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1. Are fireworks illegal?
2. Can you safely plug a 3 prong electrical plug into a 2 prong electrical outlet?
3. Do you provide and install smoke detectors?
4. May I use a chimenea, patio warmer, or any other portable wood-burning device used for outdoor recreation or heating? Outdoor masonry fireplaces?
5. May I have a campfire?
6. My neighbor thinks the smoke created by my outdoor fireplace stinks. Is this considered a nuisance, and can I be prohibited from using it solely because he/she objects to the odor?
7. When can I be required to extinguish an outdoor recreational fire?
8. May I dispose of my yard debris and clippings by burning them?
9. May I pile debris and burn it for land clearing?
10. Can my church youth group have a bonfire?
11. Can I use sky lanterns at my daughter’s outdoor wedding?
12. Why do I see firefighters at stores when they are working?
13. Why do I see fire fighters running at the local park or taking the fire truck to the gym?
14. Why do firefighters break all the windows during a fire?
15. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents -- more lanes than are necessary?
16. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?
17. Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?
18. Can I get my blood pressure taken at the firehouse?
19. Why do I see fire trucks from neighboring communities in Fuquay-Varina on calls?
20. Does the fire department service fire extinguishers?
21. What type of fire extinguishers and how many are recommended for the home?
22. Where can I purchase a fire extinguisher?
23. Will the fire department come to my home and fill my swimming pool?
24. How can I request firefighters for a school visit or public event?
25. What is an ISO rating?
26. What is the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department ISO rating?
27. Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through red lights at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
28. How many smoke detectors should I have and where should they be placed?
29. Do you get cats out of trees or rescue other animals?
30. Why do so many fire trucks respond to simple incidents?