Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building?
It may appear that by breaking windows or cutting holes in roofs cause more damage than the actual fire. However, internal building fires create a lot of heat and smoke and firefighters must remove the heat and smoke before they can get close enough to put out the fire.

Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in planned locations force smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the building from below. This is called “ventilation”. This also improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke can cause extensive damage; ventilation will actually reduce overall damage to a building and contents.

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1. How does the strength of fire protection in the community affect property owner’s insurance policy premium?
2. When I call for an ambulance, why do I sometimes see an ambulance from another town?
3. When I call an ambulance, why does a fire engine also come?
4. Why do I see fire engines or ambulances go through intersections with their red lights flashing, and then turn them off? Are they just in a hurry to go somewhere?
5. The alarm on my carbon monoxide detector just went off, what do I do?
6. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building?
7. I need to take a CPR course, does the Skokie Fire Department teach courses?
8. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
9. Can I schedule a fire engine presentation or station tour?
10. How are members of the Skokie Fire Department hired?
11. What do firefighters do when they are not responding to fire or emergency medical calls?
12. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?