Common Fire Safety Myths Everyone Should Know About 

Most visual representations of massive fires are misleading. Be it in movies, advertisements or illustrations. So, ideas of fire safety are far from discussion. There are multiple opinions on it, none of them being factually accurate. Some say flames are the most dangerous part of a fire, while others believe water to be the only solution to put out a fire.  

Such fallacies lead to a larger section of the population believing in these myths. Thus, translating to zero fire safety literacy. Standing here isn’t a safe decision. The most crucial part of fire safety remains unknown when such popular testaments are the rule of thumb.  

However, the motive that led us to write this blog is to debunk such fire safety myths. To do this, we’ve studied the International Fire Code of 2021 as California adheres to the IFC standards meticulously. Below are some age-old fire safety myths, classed as inaccurate. To reveal such myths, we’ve also added a list of ethical fire safety measures. To learn more, keep reading.  

5 Common Fire Myths from Around the World  

Before the National Fire Safety Week 2025, learn some real insights about fire safety regulations. Navigate better in such critical situations while also leading a group of clueless residents. Become the fire safety icon in your neighbourhood. Let’s go:  

1. Stairs are the Best Fire Escape Plan 

We’ve all heard this and even seen it in some movies. Whenever there’s a fire, take the stairs and leave the premises. 

While using an elevator shouldn’t even cross your mind when there’s a fire in the building, stairs aren’t ideal, either. Why? In multi-storeyed buildings, it takes time for the fire to spread upward.  

While the first three floors may be fully safe, the next storey could be blocked because of the spread of the fire. Making it even more complicated for you to find an exit.  

Solution 

• Most buildings have fire escape route maps. Find one and follow through to evacuate the building.  

• If taking a staircase is mandatory, find one that isn’t yet completely affected. Generally, buildings come with two stairways. Choose the less affected one and follow through.  

2. All Fire Extinguisher Types are The Same  

While it is beyond laymen’s understanding, fire extinguisher types are multiple. The widespread notion is that all fire extinguishers work the same way and serve the same purpose. While the latter may be true (putting out a fire), the former needs scrutiny.  

Fire extinguisher types include:  

• Water Fire Extinguisher  

• Foam Fire Extinguisher 

• Water Mist Fire Extinguisher  

• Water Spray Fire Extinguisher  

• Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher 

• CO₂ Fire Extinguisher 

• Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher 

• Specialist Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher 

Not all fires can be extinguished by the same extinguisher. Because the fire types can also be classified into a few sections:  

Type of Fire	Material	Type of Fire Extinguisher
Class A	For paper, wood, plastics and cloth.	Pressurised Water Fire Extinguisher
Class B	For oil, ether, gas, alcohol and other flammable liquids.	Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher, Co2 Fire Extinguisher and Foam Fire Extinguisher
Class C	For electrical appliances and equipment	Co2 Fire Extinguisher
Class D	For flammable metals	Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

There goes the myth of fire extinguishers.  

3. Fires Happen Only in Commercial Buildings  

The most well-known fires occur in commercial buildings. But that’s because these are the incidents that make it to the headlines. Most fires aren’t accounted for, as these occur in residential spaces. 

Be it because of cooking mishaps, heaters or other electrical issues. That’s why installing fire alarm systems is essential not only for commercial buildings but also for residential spaces.  

While there’s not much encouragement around fire alarm panels in residential apartments, you should keep it in consideration.  

Solution 

• Install a comprehensive fire alarm system.  

• Keep the fire alarm system under regular maintenance.  

4. Water Beats Fires  

This is a very common notion that’s implemented in all our households— to this day. Whenever a fire breaks out, the instant reaction is to put it out by throwing gallons of water above the fire. 

While this may work for some cases, it doesn’t apply to all fires. Especially Class C and D fires. So, you must know that there are different ways to put out a fire, keeping aside buckets of water.  

Solution 

• Each fire has a different solution. To know more, read the table given above.  

5. It is Safe to Open Doors  

Firstly, no. Why? To put out fires, we need non-combustible elements such as carbon dioxide. Not combustible gases like oxygen.  

Opening doors in the midst of fires is a huge risk. As it acts as the entrance for oxygen, feeding the fire and making it spread by the minute. So, opening doors amid a fire is highly risky and unsafe.  

Solution 

• Keep all exits and entrances closed.  

• Make sure that there are emergency escape routes.  

• If going out the doorway is absolutely necessary, choose an exit that’s still not warm.  

• Make a narrow opening and leave quickly. Close the door immediately.  

With the common myths about fire safety out of the way, we are on the same page now. However, debunking myths is not enough. We’ve decided to offer a list of fire safety tips to our readers. Let’s go.  

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Common Fire Safety Tips  

While fire safety services offer a series of rules and regulations, there are some common hacks to remain on top of fire safety.  

These will help you navigate better during such critical situations. Knowing some fire safety tips will benefit you in many ways. So, let’s dig in:  

1.Plan a Fire Escape Route  

Fires are sudden. So, escaping a fire needs to be immediate and quick. This won’t be probable if you don’t have an escape plan ready.  

Bring your family together and make an escape plan. Make each member aware of the exits, doors and windows.  

To remain on top of the escape plan, conduct mock trials with your family twice a year.  

2. Install Fire Alarm Systems 

The best solution for all fire-related problems inside a home is a fire alarm system. While some may convince you that fire alarm systems are beneficial for commercial buildings only— it isn’t true. 

Having a fire alarm system that comprises smoke detectors, heat detectors and more will help you evacuate the building in time.  

House fires are one of the most common types of fires reported each year. So, to have a sensor detect anomalies that indicate a fire is nothing but an economically wise and safe decision.  

3. Go Back to Crawling  

When the building is filled with smoke and gases, it’s best if you can try to not inhale those harmful gases. Especially carbon monoxide.  

A common myth is that burns are the most common causes of death after a fire. That’s not true. Inhaling harmful gases like CO is the topmost factor behind fire-related fatalities. 

To avoid the smoke, begin crawling toward the exit to evacuate. Don’t rise 25 inches above the ground level in such smoke-filled premises.  

4. Sprinkler Systems are Quite Helpful  

Installing a home sprinkler system may not seem fruitful in normal conditions. However, when there’s a fire in the building, home sprinkler systems come in quite handy. It’ll help you put out the fire (in most cases) before the firemen reach your destination.  

5. Don’t Encourage Careless Smoking 

Smoking takes up a major chunk when we look at causes that started a fire. It’s way too common in California and the other states that make up North America.  

Pay extra attention by providing deep ashtrays, looking for leftover cigarette butts, and more. Another important step is to be cautious when you’re smoking.  

Don’t discard the bud anywhere you please – only use ashtrays. Smouldering cigarette butts are responsible for spreading fires, so make sure your leftovers are disposed of properly.  

The Final Word 

In this blog, we talked about the common myths surrounding fire safety regulations. We judged the accuracy of each myth and came up with solutions to deal with each issue. By debunking myths, we revealed the true nature of fire, fire safety and fire alarm systems. To help you maneuver fire safety better, we’ve also put together a list of fire safety tips.  

Hoping that our blog has helped you understand more about fire safety, we bid adieu. For any further fire safety-related queries, write to us.