The emergency service in Tenerife has published an informative video on its social media titled 'Do you know what to do if a fire breaks out in your building?'. The audiovisual piece recreates three different scenarios based on the fire's location and offers key recommendations to minimize risks during an emergency.
Firefighters remind the public that evacuation is not always necessary and that the safest course of action depends on where the fire originates. They stress that smoke is the greatest danger, making closing doors essential to curb its spread.
If the fire occurs below the dwelling, they advise staying inside. They explain that hot smoke rises rapidly through stairwells, making an attempt to descend potentially dangerous. In these cases, they recommend closing the apartment door, sealing gaps with damp towels to prevent smoke entry, staying in the room furthest from the fire, making oneself visible from a window, and calling 112.
If the fire is on an upper floor and the stairwell is clear of smoke, the instruction is to evacuate the building quickly. Upon exiting, it is important to close the apartment door to contain the fire and prevent smoke from reaching other areas.
When a fire starts within the home itself, such as in the kitchen, the door to the affected room should be closed, and the premises evacuated immediately. It is also advised to close the main entrance door upon leaving to prevent smoke from spreading to common areas and to facilitate the evacuation of other residents. Carrying house keys can expedite the intervention of emergency teams.
Tenerife Firefighters conclude by reminding that 'the most dangerous thing in a fire is not the flames, but the smoke'. They highlight that a closed door acts as a physical barrier against both flames and toxic gases. The campaign summarizes its advice with the slogan: 'Closing doors saves lives'.
