Every year over 2,500 people die and 12,600 1 . (injure) in home fires in America . Every day,Americans experience the great fear of fire . 2 . most of them don ’ t understand fire . To protect 3 . (you),it is important to learn the basic characteristic of fire . In less than 30 seconds,a small flame can get 4 . (complete) out of control and turn into a major fire . Most deadly fires occur in the home when people are asleep . If you wake up to a fire,the fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick,maybe there is just little time 5 . (escape) . Heat is more 6 . (threaten) than flames . In five minutes,a room can get so hot that everything in 7 . starts to burn at once . Fire starts bright,but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness . If you wake up to a fire,you may be blinded and confused about where you are or which 8 . (direct) you should go . You are even unable to find your way around the home you 9 . (live) in for ages . Fire produces smoke and poisonous gases . Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you tired,sleepy and short of breath . As 10 . result,you may not wake up in time to escape .