FMost fire sprinkler systems installed in residential and commercial buildings are automatic—they activate on their own in the presence of fire. Open-orifice sprinkler systems are more rare; these are typically used only in deluge systems installed in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other locations particularly prone to severe fires that are difficult to control. Automatic fire sprinklers are designed to activate at a pre-set temperature, while open-orifice systems are activated manually without a heat-sensitive seal.

Businesses and public buildings are at particular risk of fire. Besides being targets for arson on much higher levels than private homes, commercial properties see higher traffic, higher use of electricity, and often greater exposure to fire hazards than residential buildings do. If your commercial building doesn’t have a fire sprinkler system installed, you’re taking a risk with your business.

Electrical fires start for a variety of reasons. Faulty wiring, badly-made products, overloaded circuits and frayed extension cords all play a part in contributing to the causes of electrical fires. Here’s an overview of some of the common causes of electrical fires—and how to put one out.

Fighting fires is a dangerous business. In most cases you have only seconds to put out a fire before it flares out of control, and if you’re not successful, you could be left without enough time to escape if it does. But it is possible to extinguish a fire before it consumes your home or building—and it’s important to know how to respond in case of a fire. Here are a few fire fighting tips you should be aware of.

It’s not uncommon for those opposed to legislation mandating the installation of residential fire sprinklers in new developments to claim that fire alarms are perfectly adequate protection against fire, and that sprinklers aren’t needed—especially not in homes, which don’t have the particular fire risks you’d find at a warehouse or manufacturing facility. And while it’s true that fire alarms are responsible for saving thousands of lives, they’re not perfect—and they can’t be considered complete protection against fire. Here are just a few reasons why fire sprinklers outshine fire alarm systems when it comes to protection.

To be successful, a fire department has to operate like a well-oiled machine. Firefighters train constantly and are always prepared for a call—and a busy fire department may respond to numerous calls, some serious and some minor, throughout the day.

Think you know everything there is to know about fire? Think again. The following facts about fire safety contradict what most people believe about it—and you may be surprised by what you read.

Firefighters are kind of like superheroes: they can see even in thick black smoke; walk through fire; punch down concrete walls; and lift heavy beams to get at the people trapped underneath.  But they couldn’t do it without fire equipment specially designed for fire fighting and rescue. Here are a few pieces of fire fighting equipment that all firefighters rely on.

When you buy home insurance, it typically protects against fire in addition to other threats such as water damage and theft. Home fire insurance is typically not needed if you have a standard home insurance policy. However, if you own a business premise or public building—particularly one at high risk of fire, such as a restaurant—it’s a good idea to buy additional fire insurance to make sure you’re covered in event of a fire.

A backyard fire pit can be a great way to enjoy the summer—think outdoor marshmallow roasts, char-grilled cookouts, and songs around the campfire, without having to go camping.  But while backyard fire pits can be plenty of fun, they can also be dangerous—if you’re not aware of fire pit safety. Here are a few tips for keeping your fire pit activities fun and safe this season.

Every tool firefighters bring to the scene of a fire is designed to withstand extreme heat, harsh chemicals, and dangerous conditions.  This is true even of the clothes they wear.  No material is completely fireproof, but firefighters’ clothes are designed to provide a fire-resistant shield that protects them against extremely high temperatures for a long period of time.

The safest way to survive a fire is to prevent one from happening in the first place. To do this, you need to be aware of the risks that are found in every home—and how to keep them under control in yours. Here are five steps to a strong fire prevention plan for families and individuals.

Fire trucks are more than just a vehicle that gets firefighters to the scene of a fire as quickly as possible. They’re large-scale firefighting kits on wheels, with all the tools the fire brigade needs to extinguish major fires.  Here’s an overview of how these amazing vehicles work.

Ever catch that smell that tells you you have a gas leak? Gas can be the cause of extremely explosive fire—one of the most dangerous types of fires a firefighter can encounter.  With a gas fire, the gas in the air itself catches fire—and it’s extremely flammable. All it takes is a tiny spark. Gas fires have been known to cause explosions that have destroyed entire houses.

Fire sprinklers are constructed around a very simple premise: a sprinkler head is connected to a water source and plugged with a device or substance that will dissolve, melt or break in the presence of heat. There are no moving parts or digital components. Even in today’s most cutting-edge sprinkler systems, the basic premise is the same.