How do people who run back into a burning building to save a pet or child survive?

Question

Occasionally I see news stories like “man runs back into burning house and rescues beloved pet”

However, I’ve also been told that you will most likely die in seconds if you inhale the smoke. I’ve read that in a fire you have to crawl to escape. I’ve read that you have to sprint quickly through the flames if you have a chance (the exact opposite of crawling low?).

In: 223

Answer 1

I’m not a firefighter, but… (deep inhale)

(holds breath and runs into burning building)

If you know exactly where you need to be, you might get in and out on one breath. Also, a burning building doesn’t have to have every room filled with smoke. You might have one room fully on fire, and other rooms gradually filling up. It all depends on the situation. Also, if you hear a dog barking, it must still have some breathing room.