run way makes the spring loaded levels hit the tiny charge on the caps. this impact creates a small explosion and starts a reaction inside the canisters. oxygen is generated and released into the hold. the reaction also produces heat with temperatures of up to 500 degrees fahrenheit. the combination of heat and pure oxygen creates a voracious fire. inside the hold, the pure oxygen allows the fire to burn through the liner and up into the cabin, melting the floor beams under the passenger's feet. >> they discovered that it had pretty much burnt up into the sky. >> there was a series of communications breakdowns. a lot of safety changes came about as a result. there's an absolute prohibition of shipping oxygen generators by air. there is now the ability to detect a fire. >> state and federal charges are brought against valujet's maintenance contractor