Chapter 11
FIRE! FIRE !
1. Why is fire important in our daily life?
Answer: Fire is important because it helps us cook food, make tools and instruments, and heat our homes during cold weather. It is an essential part of human life and development.
2. Why do people dread fire?
Answer: People dread fire because it can become uncontrollable and dangerous, destroying property and life. Fire that is not under control becomes an enemy rather than a friend.
3. What is an example of fire getting out of control?
Answer: An example is when a burning matchstick is thrown onto a heap of paper. The paper catches fire quickly, spreading flames that can burn everything around it.
4. What caused the fire in the building described in the story?
Answer: The fire in the building was caused by a short circuit in the electrical wiring, which started the flames.
5. How did the people try to control the fire initially?
Answer: People tried to control the fire by running with buckets of water and throwing it on the flames, but they were not successful because the fire was spreading too quickly.
6. What did Mr. Singh ask Mr. Sharma to do first?
Answer: Mr. Singh asked Mr. Sharma to call the Fire Service on his telephone so that professional help could arrive to control the fire.
7. How did Mr. Sharma respond to Mr. Singh’s request?
Answer: Mr. Sharma replied that he had already called the Fire Service and that a fire engine was on its way.
8. What did Mr. Singh hope about the people in the building?
Answer: Mr. Singh hoped that all the people living in the building had come out safely and were not trapped inside.
9. How did the police help at the scene of the fire?
Answer: The police cordoned off the building, preventing the crowd from getting too close and ensuring safety for both the trapped people and bystanders.
10. What role did the fire engines play in controlling the fire?
Answer: The fire engines brought water and firefighting equipment, helping the firemen to spray water on the flames and rescue trapped people using ladders.
11. How did the firemen rescue the people trapped in the building?
Answer: The firemen used ladders to bring people down safely from the upper floors of the building while spraying water to control the flames.
12. What was the crowd’s reaction when the firemen arrived?
Answer: The crowd felt relief and watched anxiously as the firemen performed their tasks, bringing people down safely and controlling the fire.
13. What was the condition of one of the buildings after the fire?
Answer: One of the buildings was completely reduced to ashes, showing the destructive power of fire when it spreads uncontrollably.
14. Why were people happy after the fire was controlled?
Answer: People were happy because the firemen successfully saved other buildings and the people inside, preventing further damage and loss of life.
15. How do firemen risk their lives during a fire?
Answer: Firemen risk their lives by entering burning buildings, climbing ladders, and working near intense flames and smoke to save people and property.
16. What does the story suggest about keeping fire under control?
Answer: The story suggests that fire is useful only when controlled. Without proper management, it can become a dangerous enemy.
17. How can a short circuit lead to a fire?
Answer: A short circuit allows electricity to jump gaps in wiring, creating sparks. These sparks can ignite flammable materials and start a fire.
18. What instruments can be made using fire?
Answer: Instruments and tools such as metal utensils, machinery, and household items can be made using fire for heating and shaping materials.
19. How does fire help in heating homes?
Answer: Fire provides warmth during cold weather, keeping people comfortable and preventing illness caused by cold conditions.
20. What does “heap of paper” signify in the story?
Answer: The heap of paper represents anything flammable. Even a small ignition can set a heap ablaze, showing how quickly fire can spread.
21. How does fire act as man’s friend?
Answer: Fire is man’s friend because it helps with cooking, heating, and manufacturing, making life easier and productive when used carefully.
22. How does fire become man’s enemy?
Answer: Fire becomes man’s enemy when it is uncontrolled, spreading to destroy homes, belongings, and even lives.
23. How can people prevent fires at home?
Answer: People can prevent fires by handling fire safely, not leaving flammable items near flames, maintaining electrical wiring, and keeping fire extinguishers handy.
24. Why is spreading fire dangerous?
Answer: Spreading fire is dangerous because it can affect nearby buildings, trees, and people, increasing the scale of destruction.
25. What is the importance of calling the Fire Service quickly?
Answer: Calling the Fire Service quickly ensures trained firefighters arrive in time to control the fire and prevent major damage or casualties.
26. How does using hoses help in firefighting?
Answer: Hoses deliver large amounts of water to the flames, helping to control and extinguish the fire effectively.
27. What is the significance of cordoning off the site?
Answer: Cordoning off keeps people at a safe distance, prevents panic, and allows firemen to work efficiently without interference.
28. Why do firemen feel happy after controlling a fire?
Answer: Firemen feel happy because they successfully saved lives and property, fulfilling their duty despite the risks.
29. How can fire alarms help during a fire?
Answer: Fire alarms alert people early, giving them time to evacuate safely and reducing casualties during a fire.
30. Why is thick black smoke dangerous during a fire?
Answer: Thick black smoke contains harmful gases, reduces visibility, and can cause suffocation, making it very dangerous for anyone trapped inside.
Answer by Mrinmoee
