What is the main threat from fire?
Over 70% of fire related deaths are caused as a result of breathing in poisonous gases rather than burns. The most common deadly gases produced by a fire are carbon monoxide (produced by burning items), hydrogen cyanide (from burning wool, silk, nylon and some plastics), hydrogen chloride and carbon dioxide. Fire also uses up the oxygen you need and breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath thereby greatly reducing the chances of successful escape.
