Grade 12 Fire Hazard DRR: Introduction to Fire

Introduction to Fire

• Fire is a natural force that has been harnessed by humans for centuries, but it can also have catastrophic consequences.
• Fire can cause devastating losses, such as the 2015 factory fire in Valenzuela, Metro Manila, which claimed nearly 100 lives.

Fire Triangle

• The fire triangle is a fundamental model that explains the mechanics of fire.
• The three essential components of the fire triangle are:
  • Heat
  • Fuel
  • Oxygen

Heat

• Heat is essential for igniting a fire.
• Sources of heat include:
  • Electrical equipment
  • Open flames
  • Sparks
  • Chemical reactions

Fuel

• Fuel refers to any material that can undergo combustion.
• Examples of fuels include:
  • Wood
  • Paper
  • Flammable liquids
  • Gases

Oxygen

• Oxygen is necessary for sustaining combustion.
• Controlling oxygen levels can mitigate fire hazards.

Classification of Fuels

• Fuels are categorized into classes based on their physical state and chemical composition.
• The classes include:
  • Solids
  • Liquids
  • Gases
  • Metals

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water and Foam:
  • Cool the fire and reduce its temperature
  • Effective against Class A fires and foam can also tackle Class B
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
  • Suffocate the fire by displacing oxygen in the air and cooling the fuel
  • Effective against Class B and C fires
• Dry Chemical:
  • Release a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire
  • Effective against Class A, B, and C fires
• Wet Chemical:
  • Release a solution that cools the fire and reacts chemically to form a soap-like solution
  • Effective against Class K fires (cooking oils and fats)
• Clean Agent:
  • Interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire
  • Effective against Class B and C fires
• Dry Powder:
  • Form a layer over the fuel, smothering the fire and blocking oxygen
  • Effective against Class D fires
• Water Mist:
  • Cool the fire and reduce the oxygen content around it
  • Effective against Class A and some Class C fires
• Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical:
  • Operate like a standard dry chemical extinguisher but use a cartridge to expel the chemical
  • Effective against Class A, B, and C fires

Using a Fire Extinguisher

• Remember to use PASS:
  • Pull the pin or safety seal
  • Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent
  • Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side, covering the entire burning material

Fire Emergency Response Protocol

• The Three A's:
  • ACTIVATE: Immediately activate the building alarm system
  • ATTEMPT: If safe to do so, attempt to extinguish the fire using the appropriate fire extinguisher
  • ASSIST: Prioritize assisting individuals in immediate danger, and assist those who are unable to evacuate independently