Fire Hazard

Fires can be devastating. They lead to property loss, injuries.

environmental damage, and sometimes fatalities.
It is therefore essential that everyone has safety knowledge in
the prevention of fires and preparedness in dealing with them.
Fire Triangle
Fire is the process of rapid oxidation of any material resulting
in burning. Oxidation means that oxygen molecules interact with
different substances in the environment, making it unstable and
thus creating a reaction. When burning happens, heat. light. and
other reaction products are released.
A fire triangle is a model that shows the three essential
components that when present together can start a fire and sustain
it—fuel, heat, and oxygen.
 Fuel — Fire needs a fuel source or combustible material in
order to burn. Fuel comes in different forms: solid (e.g., wood,
paper, plastic), liquid (e.g., gasoline. kerosene, acetone), and
gas (e.g. methane, propane, acetylene). Different types of fuel
burn at different rates.
 Heat — This is needed to start and continue the combustion
process. Combustion happens when flammable vapor mix with
air (oxygen) and is ignited by a spark or flame. In essence,
when the ignition temperature (heat) of the fuel (any material)
is reached, combustion reaction happens. This is because the
energy stored in that material reacts with the oxygen that is
present in the air, giving off heat. Most solid combustible
materials ignite immediately because they instantly give off
vapor and readily reach their ignition or flammable
temperature. Other solids may take time to ignite because of
their density such that the flammable vapors do not get
released fast. Liquid fuels, on the other hand, give off
 flammable vapor even in cold temperatures. Hence, fire may
still be produced even in temperatures below O°C. Petrol is an
example of a liquid fuel that can be ignited at 43°C below 0.
 Oxygen — This constitutes about 21% of the air around us.
Oxygen reacts with flammable vapors given off by fuels, and
the reaction releases heat. The magnitude of the fire, whether
it is going to be explosive or flammable, depends on the ratio
between the oxygen and fuel.
Fire hazards can happen anywhere because all the three
components are present everywhere. Fire will not cease until one or
more of the components are removed.

Causes of fire
Generally, there are two causes of fire: natural and man-made.
The natural causes of fire are those that result from natural
hazards such as lightning and volcanic activities. Lightning triggers
fire because it carries with it a large amount of energy that can
induce ignition temperature changes in the material (fuel) that it
comes in contact with. So, when lightning strikes, say on a hut or
grass, the ignition temperature of the hut or grass is suddenly
reached, causing combustion to take place at once. The other
natural cause of fire is volcanic eruptions. Fire can be generated by
the objects that get burned along the path of lava or by ejected
pyroclastic materials from a volcano. When these objects come in
contact with combustible materials, such as plants, fire can
happen. Similarly, when there is land movement due to seismic
activities, damaged power lines or power circuits may ignite a fire.
On the other hand, man-made causes of fire are those caused
by human or machine errors. Here are some examples:
 Electrical wirings. Faulty wiring, short circuits, overloaded
circuits, and loose wiring connections may induce fire in any
 structure or building. To prevent electrical fires, avoid
overloading the circuits and overheating electrical appliances;
check electrical cords and replace old, worn wirings; and get
an electrical engineer or licensed electrician to check your
electrical wirings and connections, especially if you detect any
electrical malfunction.

 Unattended ignition sources. A lighted candle, an improvised

gas lamp, a cooking stove, and other sources of ignition which
are left unattended may topple and/or burn nearby flammable
objects. Never leave an open flame unattended, and keep
combustibles away from it to prevent fire. Cigarettes. Cigarette
butts that are not properly put out and are thrown carelessly
can spark a fire. The glowing ember from a discarded cigarette
can come in contact with a flammable material and cause fire.
Careless smoking such as falling asleep at night with a lit
cigarette can also start a fire. To prevent creating fire, make
sure that the cigarette is fully extinguished before throwing it.
If you see someone carelessly dispose of a cigarette, kindly call
his or her attention to put out the cigarette properly.

 Chemicals at home. Many hazardous and flammable

substances can be found at home. Pesticides, lighter fluids,
gasoline, thinners, spray paints, kerosene, dry cleaning
agents, paint solvents, and nail polish are flammable liquids
that are used for a wide variety of purposes in the household.
These substances contain chemicals that when mixed with air
will give off vapor that can ignite and burn when an ignition
source is present. Flammable liquids should be kept closed
and stored in proper containers. Do not store flammable
liquids in the same cabinets with other dangerous substances
because they can react violently. Make sure they are kept
away from any ignition source and away from children.
  Gasoline leaks from vehicles. A gasoline (fuel) leak from a
vehicle is likely caused by corrosion, a worn-out seal or
gasket, or a broken fuel injector. A leak from the tank, engine,
fuel pump, or motor compartment can be dangerous because
these places get very hot. With enough heat and gas, along
with the oxygen in the air, one spark can ignite the gas and
start a fire. One indicator of an imminent car explosion is the
release of a strong gas smell where gas is leaking. If you detect
a strong gas odor, immediately take your car to an auto repair
shop and have it checked and repaired by a professional
mechanic.

Basic Response Procedures during Fire Incidents

When there is a fire breakout, two hazards need to be dealt with:
fire and smoke. In most cases, smoke is the primary cause of
fatalities due to suffocation. A thick smoke makes escape difficult
not only because it covers the pathway; it also irritates the eye and
disrupts breathing.
Here are some tips on what you can do in case of building fires:
1. Find an area where smoke has not yet reached. If there is a lot
of smoke, stay low and crawl on your hands and knees. Smoke
naturally rises or tends to fill the topmost portion of an
enclosed area.
2. Do not panic as this will keep you disoriented and make you
lose your focus.
3. Evacuate the area or room by going to the nearest exit. If you
are not familiar with the building's layout, follow the arrows or
directions that lead to the exit.
4. While evacuating the room, leave it closed to prevent the entry
of smoke. Do not lock the door to allow others to escape in the
same route or passage.
 5. If you can, assist people with special needs, but do not carry
them downstairs. Going down with a load may impede an
immediate escape. Notify emergency personnel if you know or
suspect someone is still inside the building.
6. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs to get out of the
building.
7. DO not attempt to go back inside the building until it has been
declared safe by the fire department.
If your clothes catch fire
I. Do not panic or run.
2. Do the stop, drop, and roll method. Stop immediately or stay
where you are. Running will make the fire worse as the fire will
grow with added oxygen. Drop to the ground and cover you face
with your hands. Then roll over back and forth until the fire has
been put out.

In assisting people who are burnt

1. Do not attempt to remove the clothing. In second- to third-
degree burns, clothes may stick to the skin, and removing the
clothes may aggravate the injury and expose the skin more to
infection. If clean cotton cloth or gauze is available, use it to
carefully cover the burned area.
2. Do not attempt to treat a third-degree burn on your own.
Bring the burn victim to the hospital or call for medical
assistance immediately. While help is on its way, elevate the
burned part above the level of the victim's heart. Do not
undress the victim, and do not move clothing that was stuck
to the burn.
3. Do not soak or immerse burns in cold water, apply ice or ice
water, or apply any ointment. Do not put butter or oil directly
on the burned area. Do not break blisters that form over the
 burn. Burns are open wounds that require aeration for faster
healing. Cold water may temporarily stop bleeding and reduce
some pain, but it can extend the damage of the burnt area.
These things may cause more damage to the burned parts.
4. Check vital signs such as breathing and blood circulation.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) might be necessary.
Fire Emergency and Evacuation Plans
The key element to a successful and effective fire emergency
response plan is to make sure it is accessible to all concerned
people. Training and drills should be conducted regularly for
everyone to be familiar with the emergency procedures. Here are
some basic guidelines in preparing a fire emergency plan:
1. The contact number of government agencies such as the local
fire departments should be made known.
2. The occupants of the building should know how and where to
report an emergency. The proper authority will know how to
assess the situation and address it.
3. Occupants of the building should be made aware of emergency
routes and exits.
4. All operators should be reminded of safe shutdown procedures
for equipment and facilities to prevent any damage or
additional hazard.
5. All written emergency plans should always be updated,
maintained, and tried on a regular basis.
6. A building's emergency evacuation layout plan should be
posted conspicuously to constantly remind the members of the
building of the proper procedure for emergencies.