When I think about fire protection systems, I immediately think of systems that would protect my home from a fire. After seeing firsthand what a house fire can do to a family, I understand how vital it is to have effective fire protection. Off the top of my head, these are the first four types of fire protection systems I think of:
- Fire Detection Systems
- Fire Suppression Systems
- Fire Extinguishers
- Passive Fire Protection Systems (slowing or impeding the spread of fire or smoke without system activation – contains it to that area)
Furthermore, different types of systems that use water to put out fires include the following such as but not limited to:
- Water mist systems
- Sprinkler systems
- Deluge systems
- Foam-water systems
Let’s take, for example, water mist systems. They work by dispersing very small water droplets and use a fraction of the water that traditional sprinkler systems use. Water mist has a greater surface area, allowing it to absorb heat more rapidly and effectively cool both the fire and the surrounding areas.
I forget that when I am at work, the loss of all of our important data would be catastrophic for our business and our clients. So, ultimately, fire protection is invaluable both at work and at home.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), water mist systems, “Water mist systems have been used for specific applications (such as maritime) for a long time but starting in the mid-1990’s advancement in the use of water mist systems was propelled by the phasing out of halon and their use as a fire safety system for spaces where the amount of water that can be stored or discharged is limited. In addition, there is a long list of applications in which water mist systems have been listed for use including the following:
- Machinery spaces
- Combustion turbines
- Industrial oil cookers
- Computer room raised floors
- Data processing equipment rooms
- Chemical fume hoods
- Continuous wood board presses
- Shipboard passenger cabins and corridors
- Shipboard accommodation and public space areas
- Road tunnels
- Cable conduit tunnels,”.
Are fire fumes toxic?
When I was a teenager, my mom and her brother ran a successful construction company as general contractors. Their specialty was in 24-hour storm emergencies, including board-up services and fire restoration.
My mother had solid relationships with several insurance companies and carriers, which resulted in their company becoming the go-to experts for fire and smoke restoration jobs. There were times that my mom would do the physical laborious work with her crews (who were primarily men) to perform the initial actions, such as cleaning up whatever was salvageable in the homes stricken with fire.
There were many evenings when my mom would come home from work soiled in smoke and soot, her clothes saturated with the lingering scent of charred wood and chemicals. Yet, she never complained. Instead, she carried a quiet pride, knowing that each home she helped restore was a step toward healing for a family in crisis.
Her determination and willingness to lead by example not only earned her the respect of her team but also solidified her reputation as someone who genuinely cared about people. She was truly a “Rosie the Riveter” of her industry!
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports that, “Smoke, ash, and soot after a fire can deposit particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, and other chemicals on furniture, walls, floors, and other surfaces. Levels of chemicals inside homes that are severely smoke impacted likely will be higher than in less severely impacted homes. The chemicals will continue to be released into the air over the weeks following the fire, but they will reduce over time,”.
As my mother aged and long after her work with fire restoration, her asthma from childhood seemed to have returned and returned with a vengeance! She had a constant, nagging, dry cough for years.
Is it bad to breathe air after a fire?
Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can be released during a fire, along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde. My mom should have worn proper protection back then but we did not know better what we know today and cannot change the past.
The American Lung Association writes, “When toxic gases are absorbed, inhaled, or consumed through the eyes or skin, they can cause damage to living cells and tissues, damage to the nervous system, serious disease, or, in extreme cases, death.
Toxic air pollutants pose different risks to health depending on the specific pollutant, including:
- Cancer, including lung, kidney, bone, stomach
- Harm to the nervous system and brain
- Birth defects
- Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat
- Coughing and wheezing
- Impaired lung function
- Harm to the cardiovascular system
- Reduced fertility,”.
It’s worth understanding that the long-term health effects of fire fume exposure can vary quite a bit. Factors like how long someone was exposed, the intensity of that exposure, their individual sensitivity, and their overall health all play a role in how serious the consequences might be. That said, even low-level exposure over an extended period can still pose serious health risks.
If you or someone you care about has been exposed to fire fumes, don’t wait—seek medical attention right away. It’s also a good idea to connect with certified fire restoration and cleanup professionals. These experts are trained to properly remove lingering toxins and residues from affected areas, helping to reduce future health risks and restore your living environment to a safe condition.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or support. Seek appropriate advice from a professional contractor or local authorities when necessary.
What are the 4 types of fire protection systems?
In conclusion, fire protection systems are essential safeguards that can make all the difference during a fire emergency. From detection to suppression and everything in between, these systems help protect lives, property, and data. Investing in the right setup—at home or work—is a proactive step toward safety and peace of mind.