Lesson 1

FIRE PREVENTION

KEY DEFINITIONS
Combustion : is a high-temperature, chemical reaction where a fuel rapidly oxidizes,
typically with atmospheric oxygen, releasing energy as heat and light (flame/FIRE). It
requires fuel, oxygen, and heat to proceed. Common applications include powering engines,
cooking, and generating electricity. Locally, making fire from a match stick is another
example.
Fuel in a fire is any combustible material—solid, liquid, or gas—that feeds the flames. Key
examples include wood, paper, fabrics, plastics, flammable liquids (petrol, oil), gases
(propane, methane), and wildland fuels like dry grass, shrubs, and pine needles. Removing
these materials stops the fire.
Oxidation in a Fire is the rapid chemical combination of oxygen with fuel (such as wood or
gas), releasing energy as intense heat and light. It is a fast combustion process where fuel
molecules lose electrons to oxygen, turning materials into combustion products like carbon
dioxide, water vapor, and smoke.
Heat in Fire is the thermal energy component. It acts as the activation energy, breaking
chemical bonds to release further heat and light (FIRE).
THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE (THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON)-FORMERLY FIRE
TRIANGLE
The fundamental principles of fire involve the fire tetrahedron (fuel, heat, oxygen, and
chemical chain reaction) and the core safety components of prevention, detection,
suppression, and evacuation. Fire is a rapid exothermic oxidation reaction, and controlling it
relies on removing one of its necessary elements.
4 Elements of the Fire Tetrahedron
The fire tetrahedron is a concept used to explain the four key elements needed for a fire to
ignite and sustain itself. This concept builds off of the fire triangle by introducing a fourth
element called the chemical chain reaction. This addition highlights the continuous, self-
sustaining nature of fire.1 Here is each element broken down:
Fuel: Any combustible material, including solid, liquid, or gas, serves as fuel. Without fuel, a
fire cannot burn, which is why removing it or letting it run out extinguishes the fire.
Heat: Heat raises fuel to its ignition point, initiating combustion. Sources like friction or
sparks provide sufficient heat, while suppression methods like water reduce the temperature
below the ignition point.
Oxygen: Fire relies on oxygen or another oxidizing agent to sustain combustion. Depriving a
fire of oxygen, using tools like fire blankets or extinguishers effectively smothers it.
Chemical Chain Reaction: This reaction occurs when heat from the initial ignition breaks
molecular bonds in the fuel, releasing reactive free radicals. These free radicals then interact
with oxygen, creating new molecules and more heat. The additional heat continues to break
down more fuel molecules, releasing further free radicals and sustaining the fire.
Fire Suppression Tactics Using the Fire Tetrahedron
Each element of the fire tetrahedron relies on one another to sustain the fire; removing just
one element extinguishes the fire. Using this knowledge to approach fire suppression will
greatly improve the outcome.
Fuel Encapsulation; neutralizing fuel molecules by forming a barrier between fuel and
oxygen, preventing reignition.
Rapid Cooling: It absorbs heat up to ten times faster than water, efficiently reducing the fire’s
temperature and extinguishing flames.
Oxygen Reduction: The agent creates a molecular barrier that disrupts oxygen’s role in
combustion.
Chemical Reaction Interruption: By halting free radical activity, it stops the combustion
process at a molecular level.
FIRE CLASSIFICATION
Fires are classified into types based on the fuel involved, defining the proper extinguishing
method: Class A (solids), Class B (liquids/gases), Class C (electrical), Class D (metals), and
Class F/K (cooking oils). Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen the fire, making
identification crucial for safety.
Fire Classification Breakdown
Class A (Ordinary Combustibles): Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
Class B (Flammable Liquids/Gases): Gasoline, oil, paint, lacquers, and flammable gases.
Class C (Electrical Equipment): Energized electrical equipment like motors, transformers,
and appliances.
Class D (Combustible Metals): Magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium.
Class F/K (Cooking Oils/Fats): Cooking fats, grease, and oils in commercial/kitchen settings
PRINCIPLES OF HEAT TRANSFER AND FIRE SPREAD
Fire spreads through heat transfer via conduction, convection, radiation, and direct contact,
requiring fuel, oxygen, and heat. Heat moves from high-temperature areas to lower-
temperature areas, increasing surrounding temperatures to ignition points. Key mechanisms
include rising hot gases (convection), direct contact with flames, and radiant heat waves.
Key Principles of Heat Transfer in Fires:
Conduction: Heat travels through solid materials (e.g., metal pipes, walls) via direct
molecular collision. This can cause ignition on the opposite side of a barrier.
Convection: The transfer of heat by the physical movement of hot liquids or gases (fluids). In
fires, heated smoke and gases rise, carrying intense heat upward and outward to ignite new
materials.
Radiation: The transfer of energy via electromagnetic waves, which does not require a
medium. Radiant heat travels in straight lines and can ignite materials at a distance, such as
across a room.
Direct Contact: Flames directly touch adjacent fuel, providing immediate ignition.
Principles of Fire Spread:
Fire Tetrahedron: Beyond the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, heat), a sustained chemical
reaction is necessary to keep the fire going.
Fire Growth: A fire typically doubles in size every minute, leading to rapid, exponential
spread if not controlled.
Factors Affecting Spread: Rate of spread depends on the fuel's physical properties (porosity,
size), moisture content, and environmental factors like wind (which increases convection).
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Fire spreads faster vertically due to convection (rising hot gases)
than horizontally.
COMMON CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE CAUSES
Fire investigators use a different four-category system to classify the origin and intent of a
fire:
Accidental: Fires where the cause does not involve a deliberate human act to ignite or spread
fire (e.g., equipment failure, cooking accidents).
Natural: Fires caused without direct human intervention, such as lightning strikes or
spontaneous combustion.
Incendiary: Fires deliberately ignited under circumstances where the person knows the fire
should not be started (e.g., arson).
Undetermined: Used when the cause cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty.

FIRE CONTROL
Fire control measures are comprehensive strategies designed to prevent, detect, and
extinguish fires to protect life and property. These measures generally fall into three
categories: prevention, protection (detection and suppression), and emergency response.
1. Fire Prevention (Eliminating Hazards)
The most effective fire control is preventing the fire from starting by managing the "fire
triangle" fuel, heat, and oxygen.
Good Housekeeping: Regularly clear away combustible waste like cardboard, paper, and
wood scraps.
Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading sockets, replace frayed cords, and ensure regular
inspections by a certified electrician.
Safe Storage: Keep flammable liquids and gases in designated, fire-resistant containers away
from heat sources.
Smoking Policies: Enforce strict no-smoking rules or restrict smoking to designated areas
with safe disposal for butts.
Hot Work Permits: Require formal permits for activities involving sparks or open flames,
such as welding or cutting.

2. Fire Protection (Detection and Suppression)

These systems are designed to identify a fire early and control its spread until emergency
services arrive.
Detection Systems: Install and monthly test smoke alarms, heat sensors, and carbon
monoxide detectors on every level.
Extinguishing Equipment: Provide fire extinguishers (appropriate for the fire class), fire
blankets, and hose reels in accessible, well-marked locations.
Automatic Systems: Use automatic sprinkler systems to suppress flames immediately upon
detection.
Structural Barriers: Use fire-resistant doors and walls to compartmentalize a building and
slow the spread of smoke and fire.

3. Emergency Response and Evacuation

A clear plan ensures everyone can exit the building safely during a fire.
Evacuation Plan: Establish a written plan with at least two unobstructed exits from every
room and a designated outside assembly point.
Clear Routes: Ensure all escape routes, corridors, and exits are kept free of clutter at all
times.
Signage and Lighting: Use illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting to guide people in
dark or smoke-filled environments.
Training and Drills (testing employee fire response): Conduct regular fire drills (at least
twice a year) so everyone knows the procedures and alarm sounds.

4. Key Extinguishment Methods:

To extinguish a fire means to cause it to stop burning. This is achieved by removing at least
one of the 4 essential elements of the "fire Tetrahendron": heat, fuel, oxygen or chemical
reaction.
A. Primary Methods of Extinguishment
Cooling: Reducing the temperature of the burning material to below its ignition point,
typically by using water.
Smothering: Cutting off the supply of oxygen to the fire. Examples include using a fire
blanket or a CO2 extinguisher to displace oxygen.
Starving: Removing the fuel source, such as turning off a gas valve or clearing away unburnt
wood or grass.
Chemical Inhibition: Some agents, like dry chemical powders, work by interrupting the
chemical chain reaction of the fire itself.
Extinguishing Agents & Fire Classes
The appropriate way to extinguish a fire depends on its "class" or what is burning:

Fire Fuel Source Recommended

Class Extinguishant/Extinguisher

Class A Ordinary combustibles (wood, Water, foam, or ABC dry powder

paper, cloth)

Class B Flammable liquids (petrol, oil, Foam, CO2, or dry powder

paint)

Class C Flammable gases (methane, Dry powder

butane)

Class D Combustible metals (magnesium, Specialist dry powder

aluminum)

Electrical Energized electrical equipment CO2 or non-conductive dry powder

Class F/K Cooking oils and fats Wet chemical

Practical Applications
A. What to do when a fire Alarm/fire starts at Your Company?
When a fire starts at your company, your primary goal is to ensure the safety of all occupants
through a systematic response. Many organizations use the RACE protocol to manage these
critical first moments: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Evacuate.
1. Immediate Alert and Notification
Activate the Fire Alarm: Immediately pull the nearest fire alarm station to alert the entire
building and trigger local emergency services.
Call Emergency Services: Call local emergency services to provide the specific location,
building name, and nature of the fire.
Notify Internal Teams: Alert your supervisor, designated fire marshals, or building security to
initiate internal emergency protocols.

2. Safe Evacuation Procedures

Evacuate Immediately: Leave personal belongings behind; your life is more valuable than
office equipment or files.
Use the Stairs: Never use elevators, as they can malfunction and trap you or open onto the
floor with the fire.
Close Doors Behind You: As you exit rooms, close but do not lock the doors to help contain
the smoke and slow the fire's spread.
Stay Low: If there is smoke, crawl on the ground where the air is cleaner and cooler.

3. Assembly and Accountability

Head to the Assembly Point: Go directly to your company's pre-designated meeting area.
Participate in the Headcount: Check in with your supervisor or fire marshal so everyone is
accounted for and no one is left behind.
Report Missing Persons: Immediately tell emergency responders if you believe someone is
still inside the building.
Stay Out: Never re-enter the building until the fire department declares it safe, even if the
alarm stops

4. Fire Suppression (Only if Safe)

Assess the Fire: Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small (about the size of a
wastebasket), contained, and not spreading.
Proper Training Required: Do not fight the fire unless you have been trained on how to use
an extinguisher and have a clear exit path at your back.
Use the PASS Method (as illustrated below): Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the
handle, and Sweep side-to-side.

How to use a fire extinguisher (The P.A.S.S. Method)

For small, controlled fires, the standard procedure for using a portable fire extinguisher is the
P.A.S.S. technique:
Pull the safety pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the flames

5. If You Become Trapped

Find a Window: Move to a room with a window to stay visible to firefighters and call for
help.
Seal the Door: Block gaps under the door with wet towels or clothing to keep smoke out.
Signal for Help: Call emergency services with your exact location and wave a bright cloth or
flashlight at the window.

6. Post-Fire Actions
Report Used Equipment: Report any used fire extinguishers or activated systems to facilities
management.
Document Damage: Once safe, take photos, videos, and create a list of damaged equipment
for insurance purposes.
Contact Insurance: Notify your business insurance company immediately.