Statistical analysis of response to fire cues

A statistical analysis of data on recognition of fire cues during sleep was carried out to determine the influence of the type of cue, sex and age on response. Four cues were used: crackling, shuffling, a flickering light and smell. The analysis was carried out on the observed data as well as on the corresponding parameters of a stochastic model of response previously developed. Linear models and, where required, a generalized linear model were used. At the low intensity levels used the most effective cues were auditory (crackle, followed by shuffle) while the two least effective were light and smell. Females had a waking up probability consistently higher than males, as well as a shorter response time. The influence of age was borderline for all cues. An important practical conclusion of the study is that a low level flickering light and fire smells are unlikely on their own to arouse sleeping people.