life-or-death situation: A situation in which someone could easily be killed or could die.
Example:When someone is choking and can't breathe, it is a life-or-death situation.

smoke: The grey, black, or white gas produced by something burning.
Example: We saw smoke coming from the kitchen and knew something was burning.

flames: Hot, burning gas produced by fire, seen as bright light.
Example:The flames from the campfire reached high into the night sky.

desperate: Feeling sense of hopelessness, and a willingness to do anything to change a terrible situation.
Example: She was desperate to find water after walking in the desert for a day.

hesitate: To pause before doing something, often because you are uncertain or nervous.
Example:Don't hesitate; call for help immediately if you see a fire.

spread: The process of something reaching more people or places.
Example:The fire began to spread quickly from one tree to the next.

break out: To start suddenly and often violently (e.g., a fire, war, or disease).
Example:A fire can break out if you aren't careful with a candle.

put out: To make a fire or light stop burning.
Example: The firefighters worked hard to put out the house fire.

surrounded: To be all around someone or something on all sides, often in a way that prevents escape.
Example: The castle was surrounded by army so enemies couldn't get in.

trapped: Caught in a place or situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape.
Example: The cat was trapped in the tree and couldn't get down.