Home fires today spread 7 times faster than 40 years ago, study says

Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Home fires burn 7 times faster than in 1980
Home fires burn 7 times faster than in 1980 - Ali Gorman reports during Action News at 5pm on October 9, 2018.

New research from Underwriters Laboratories shows that home fires today spread 7 times faster than 40 years ago.



UL says you only have 3 minutes to escape the average fire, compared to 17 minutes in 1980.



The reason for the speed-up is the increase in plastics and other synthetic materials.



"It burns so much faster - plus all the open floor plans. Those open spaces provide more air to the fire," said Steve Kerber, UL Firefighter Safety.



UL says every home needs smoke detectors - You can also gain precious escape time by closing bedroom doors at night.



Their test shows how a closed door keeps harmful smoke out.



More than half of all deadly fires occur at night - so their message is "close before you doze."



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