Eli5: why do firefighters wear oxygen masks when fighting a building fire, but often not in a wildfire? You’re still breathing in smoke…

Question

Eli5: why do firefighters wear oxygen masks when fighting a building fire, but often not in a wildfire? You’re still breathing in smoke…

In: 483

Answer 1

A bush fire is burning wood and fibre debris. It’s no worse for you than a campfire. Structure fires burn all sorts of things. Couches, carpets, electronics, plastics, etc. All these manufactured goods release very toxic chemicals when burned. None of these you want to inhale.