Which gas is most frequently produced by residential or commercial fires?

The gas that is most frequently produced by residential or commercial fires is hydrogen cyanide. This compound is generated during the combustion of materials that contain nitrogen, such as plastics and synthetic fabrics commonly found in homes and commercial buildings.

In fires, incomplete combustion of these organic compounds leads to the formation of hydrogen cyanide, which is a highly toxic gas. Its presence in fire scenarios poses significant risks to those exposed, as it can impair the body's ability to use oxygen and can lead to severe health effects or even death.

While carbon dioxide is also produced in large quantities during fires as a result of combustion, hydrogen cyanide is notable for its toxicity and is a critical concern in fire safety and firefighting responses. Understanding the generation of such gases is vital for firefighter training and for implementing safety measures to protect individuals in and around fire scenarios.