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Oxygen supports combustion. Furthermore, the higher the concentration of oxygen, the more potential there is for a fire. When the oxygen level exceeds 21 percent, an oxygen-enriched atmosphere exists. In such a case, the potential for a patient fire is extremely great. Nitrous oxide is also considered an oxidizer. When nitrous oxide is exposed to heat, thermal decomposition results and oxygen is released. Consequently, mixtures of oxygen and nitrous oxide should be considered an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.

Fires involving an oxygen-enriched atmosphere are hotter, more vigorous and more intense than those in ambient air, and they spread more rapidly.

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