NOVA Season 7 Episode 6 Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Fire

Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Fire is the sixth episode of the seventh season of the award-winning science documentary series, NOVA. The episode explores the devastating effects of fire in both residential and commercial settings, and investigates the science behind fire prevention and firefighting techniques.

The episode begins by delving into the psychology of fires and how our natural human instincts can actually work against us when a fire breaks out. It cites the example of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Kentucky in 1977, where a crowded nightclub caught fire and claimed the lives of 165 people. Eyewitnesses reported that despite several clearly marked emergency exits, panicked patrons were not able to escape the blaze because they were disoriented and unable to find their way out.

To better understand how fires grow and consume buildings, the NOVA team travels to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland, which has a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to studying how fires start, spread, and how materials and structures behave in a fire. Using sophisticated instruments, they recreate different fire scenarios, including a small fire in a simulated living room to illustrate how quickly a fire can escalate.

The NOVA team also visits a research center in North Carolina where they study the behavior of furniture in fire conditions. They discover that modern synthetic materials like foam cushions and polyester fabric, which are prevalent in most furniture today, are highly flammable and can release toxic gases and smoke when burned. These findings underscore the importance of fire safety regulations and building codes that require furniture to be treated with flame retardants.

The episode also highlights the efforts of firefighters who risk their lives to save others from burning buildings. It follows the story of a team of firefighters in New York City who use state-of-the-art technology like thermal imaging cameras and high-pressure water systems to tackle a raging fire in a high-rise building. It also features interviews with firefighters who recount their harrowing experiences of being caught inside burning buildings and how they were able to make it out alive.

To help viewers better understand how to prevent and prepare for fires, NOVA experts provide practical tips and advice. They emphasize the importance of having working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers at home, and also recommend creating a fire escape plan and practicing it with family members. Additionally, they stress the need for businesses and public facilities to conduct regular fire drills and safety inspections.

Overall, Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Fire is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on the science of fire and the importance of fire safety. By showcasing the latest research and innovations in fire prevention and firefighting techniques, it provides viewers with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating effects of fires.