Why do firefighters cut holes in a roof or break windows during firefighting?
During a fire within a building, superheated air and toxic smoke are trapped within the building, making conditions even more dangerous for the occupants and firefighters. In a coordinated fashion, openings are made to the building to relieve this pressure and toxic air so that the fire attack and search and rescue crews can move quickly and safely to extinguish the fire and aid occupants. After the conditions are stabilized, the firefighters will typically place tarps on personal belongings and furniture to protect them from further damage.
