What can happen if flammable vapor is inhaled during firefighting efforts?

Inhaling flammable vapor during firefighting can pose serious health risks, primarily leading to respiratory distress or toxic exposure. Flammable vapors often contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or even loss of consciousness in severe cases. This is especially critical in environments where firefighters are attempting to control flames and may not be wearing proper respiratory protection, which is designed to filter out harmful substances. Understanding the dangers of inhaling flammable vapor reinforces the importance of safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during firefighting operations.