Fire Technology Arson Investigation

DATA CENTER COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

LAOAG CITY
FIRE TECHNOLOGY
AND
ARSON INVESTIGATION
SY 2020- 2021
PRINCESS APPLE T. GUETTENG
Instructor In-Charge
MODULE in CDI 6: FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
INTRODUCTION
To understand fire, we must have a scientific definition of fire consistent with or perception. We must
understand the role of fire that has played the history – its benefit and its costs to society in terms of
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people and property damage. Controlled fires, or combustion, for useful power is studied in
conjunction with the market forces that drive our economy. The study of uncontrolled fires appears to
be motivated by clear risks to society and by societies having the means to invest in such study. The
development of the fire science has accelerated over the 150 years. It is a complex involving many
disciplines, and it is relatively primitive compared to other technological field. (Quintierie,1998). Fire
Technology and Arson Investigation is a course designed to provide criminology students with the
basic technological concepts, the fundamental principles of investigating acts of incendiarism and to
meet the demands promulgated by Presidential Decree 1185.
CHAPTER 1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF FIRE

Lesson 1.1 Brief History of Fire
Fire is a chemical reaction that gives off light and heat. It is an example of the chemical
process. In some ways, fire is like living things. In the World Book Encyclopedia, fire is defined as
heat and light.
Fire is a chemical reaction that involves the evolution of light and energy in sufficient amount to
be perceptible. Fire can be linked or is likewise the same as flame, combustion and oxidation.
• Flame is the region in which a gaseous medium takes place, accompanied with the evolution of
heat and usually light.
• Combustion is the burning of any substance, is a process that evolves light and heat.
• Oxidation, on the other hand, is a chemical process that involves the loss of electrons by the
reactant and corresponding gain.
Lesson 1.1 Brief History of Fire
The ability of primitive people to use fire was crucial to their development. Every human
culture of the recent past is known to have had endless experience with fire; a site near Nice, France
has yielded evidence that hominids used fire even half million years ago. The first sources of fire
were assumed to be the result of the natural effects (lightning or volcano), the methods originally
used for deliberate fire making are not clearly known. It is likely thought that some means of
generating heat by friction was first used; many variations of these principles have been used.
The earliest use of fire was to keep warm. As civilizations, people learned to use fire in many other
ways. People learned to use fire to cook food, to shape weapons and tools, to change clay into
pottery, and to furnish light. Fire is defined as the heat and light that comes from the burning
substances. Fire can be linked or likewise as flame, combustion and oxidation.
Fire in Legend
In Persian literature, there is a story of the discovery of fire in a fight with dragon. One of the stones
that the hero used as a weapon missed the monster and struck a rock. Light shone forth and human
being saw fire for the first time.
Fire in Religion
Fire was considered sacred because it was so essential to the welfare of people. Fire
worship and sun worship have existed since very early times. Because fire was so hard to produce,
the custom soon became common of keeping a public fire, which was never allowed to die out.
These fires were kept in every village among the Egyptians, Persians, and Romans.
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The Temple of Vesta in Rome was an outstanding example of the importance of fire to the
Romans. Vesta was originally the goddess of the hearth (fire place) and her shine was in every
home. But when religion became an affair of the state, a temple was erected in which the sacred fire
was kept burning at all times.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus bestowed godlike powers when he stole the gods’ fire to give it to
humanity. Humans have always worshipped fire for its awesome power in nature and its beneficence
when controlled. Fire has played a central role in religion. It has been personified as a god and
recognized as a symbol of home and family in many cultures. It has also been a symbol of
purification and immortality and renewal, hence the lighting of flames of remembrance and the myth
of Phoenix.
Early Means of Producing Fire:
Primitive methods of igniting wood chips enable Neolithic man to produce at will the essential tool of fire.
The following are the early means of producing fire:
1. Two Sticks – One of the oldest methods of starting fires consist of rubbing two sticks together.
The rubbing creates friction between the sticks and the friction generates heat.
2. Hand Drill - The hand drill is more efficient method of rubbing two sticks wood together.
Rapidly spinning a stick of wood against another piece of wood can generate enough friction and heat to
cause the wind to ignite.
3. Bow drill – Drawing the bow back and forth spins the stick rapidly against the piece of wood,
producing a large amount of friction. This friction between the stick and the piece of wood can heat the
wood until it ignites.
4. Weighted Bow Drill – This generates more friction than the bow drill by weighing down the
wooden stick making it push more force against the other piece of wood.
5. Striking Flint – Another ancient method of starting fires consist of striking flint against another
piece flint to produce sparks.
6. Magnifying Glass – The magnifying glass focuses the sunlight on tinder, and the energy of the
sunlight heats the tinder until it ignites.
Lesson 1.2. Components of Fire
Fire in some ways. Like living things. As the animal and
humans need food, the fire needs fuel; and as the animal
requires oxygen, the fire also requires oxygen; and as the
animal requires warmth, the fire also requires heat. Therefore,
to create fire we must have fuel, oxygen and heat.
Traditionally, fire has been described as having three
components: heat, oxygen and fuel. This triad was illustrated by the fire triangle, which symbolized, in
the most basic terms, a chemical reaction that would have required hours to explain. We now
realized, however, that the fire triangle falls short of integrating all the components involved in
producing flaming combustion. Today, the fire triangle is used to technically explain glowing
combustion, which occurs when fuel mass glows/burns without flaming. This is called solid-to-gas
reaction.
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The additional component that is needed to explain flaming combustion is a chemical chain
reaction. Such a reaction yields energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind, and
this process is self-sustaining. In flaming combustion, fuel and the oxidizing agent are both in the
gaseous state; hence this is referred to as gas-to-gas reaction.
Lesson 1.3. Fuels
Fuel is any material or substance capable of burning. It may be solid, liquid or gas.
A. Solid Fuels - The most obvious solids fuels are woods, fibers and plastics.
1. Wood and Wood-based Products – This is a very versatile material which is commonly
used for construction, furniture and interior decoration among others. When the thermal environment
is conductive to a given reaction, they will char, smolder, ignite and burn.
Pyrolysis of Wood
Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of matter by the action of heat. And in this case, the
decomposition of wood causes a change from the solid to vapor state.
Factors affecting the ignition and burning of woods:
a. Physical Form –Wood used for kindling is chopped to smaller pieces in order to speed
up burning. Heavier wood logs or timber shows considerable resistance to ignition.
b. Moisture Content – From laboratory ignition and burning test, it has been shown that
the behavior of combustible solids of the same size, shape and chemical composition will vary with
moisture content. The moisture content of the material influences the rate of burning.
Moisture – The quantity of water contained in a material.
c. Heat of Conductivity – It is a measure of the rate at which absorbed heat will flow
through the mass material. It is the inverse property of insulating. The heat conductivity of a particular
material also plays a major role in its behavior under fire condition.
d. Rate and period of heating – It influences the susceptibility of wood and wood products
to ignition. Ignition of solid usually requires contact between the heat source and the material for a
long period enough to permit release of flammable vapors. It is the rate of temperature was raise
e. Rate of Combustion – It is markedly influenced by physical form of combustible, the air
supply present, the moisture content and other factors but for complete combustion to proceed there
should be progressive vaporization of the solid. It is the rate of burning
f. Ignition Temperature – Specific ignition temperatures of wood are difficult to determine
because of the variables concerned. It is when becomeburning
affects the ignition
-it is the gravity
-weight-
Incomplete combustion not enough oxygen
Complete enough oxygen
Non luminous flame- blue to white

2. Fibers and Textiles – examples are the clothes we wear, carpets, curtains, bedding etc.
Factors affecting the burning of textiles:
a. Chemical composition
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The following are the classification of fibers according to chemical composition:

a. Natural Fibers – produce by nature
b. Synthetic and Artificial Fibers - it is created by man
b. Fiber Finish – If sufficient combustible coating or decorative materials are placed on fabric,
this will support continued flaming.
c. Fabric Weight – It affects the rate of combustion at which the textile undergoes. The heavier
the fabric of the same composition, the more considerable resistance to ignition.
d. Tightness of Weave – The closer the fibers are in the weaving of fabric the more it will
minimize the air spaces between them and thus delay the rate of burning.
e. Flame Retardant Treatment – The effect of chemical treatment in reducing the flammability
of combustible fabrics is varied and complex.
3. Plastic – This is classified as ordinary combustibles. They comprise a group of a material consisting
mainly of organic substances or high molecular weight substances. –combustable materials
B. Liquid fuels – This fuel assume the shape of their containers and may diffuse. They have a
definite volume. Liquids exhibit a free surface and if left to stand uncovered will, evaporate. An increase
in temperature will cause an increase in the rate of evaporation and consequently, an increase in the
vapor pressure.
Classification of Liquid Fuels:
a. Flammable Liquids – It refers to any liquid having a flashpoint below 37.8*C. it has
flashpoint-lowest temperature have enough vapor to be ignited, it is because of the vapor
to be burn-easy to create fire
Combustible Liquids – It refers to any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 37.8*C. ignition fuel
Burning characteristics of Liquids:
Flammable liquids produced about 2.5 times more heat than wood. This heat is liberated 3 to 10
times faster than liquid from wood.
C. Gaseous Fuels – those in which molecular are in rapid movement and random motion. They have
no definite shape or volume and assume the shape and volume of their container.
Classification of Gases According to Physical Properties:
Physical properties of gases are a primary concern of fire protection since these affect the behavior
of gases when they are accidentally released. From the standpoint of fire technology, the classes of
gas according to physical properties are:
1. Compressed Gas – A gas which at all normal atmosphere temperature inside its
container, exist solely in the gaseous state under pressure.
2. Liquefied Gas – A gas in which at normal atmospheric temperature inside its container,
exist partly in the liquid state and partly in the gaseous state.
3. Cryogenic Gas – A liquefied gas which exist in its container at temperature far below
normal atmospheric temperature.
Classification of Gases According to Usage:
The primary concern of this method of classification is the relation between principal use and fire
protection. Not only does general industry use this classification but also standards and codes.
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1. Fuel Gases – These are customary used for burning with air to produce heat, which
in turn is utilized as power, light and process.
2. Industrial Gases – These are used for industrial processes as those used in welding
and cutting.
3. Medical Gases – These are used for treatment and respiratory therapy.
Hazards of Gases:
1. Hazards of Confinement
a. Gases expand when heated, and when confined, the heating results in an increase in pressure,
which can result in gas release and cause container failure.
b. Heat container can fail due to contact with flames from an exposing fire, thus loss in strength of
the material of which the container is made.
2. Hazards of Gas when released from their container. It may vary with the physical and
chemical properties of the gas and the nature of the environment into which they are released.
Physical properties of matter related to Fire:

1. Specific Gravity – It is the weight of the substance compared with an equal volume of
water (water 1.0).
2. Boiling point – It is the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is
equal or above to the atmospheric pressure.
3. Ignition Temperature – The temperature at which at flammable material will ignite,
whether it be gas, liquid or solid.
4. Flash point – The temperature at which the vapors given off is not sufficient in quantity
to burn.
5. Fire point – The temperature at which the material will give off sufficient vapors to
sustain combustion.
Chemical Properties of Fire:
1. Endothermic Reaction – These are changes whereby energy is absorbed or is
added before the reaction takes place.
2. Exothermic Reaction – Are those that release or give off energy thus they produced
substances with less energy than the reactants.
3. Oxidation – It is a chemical change that is exothermic. It is actually the deterioration
or aging of materials.
4. Flames – It refers to the incandescent gases. In order to be sustained, it sould
maintain a high temperature and a concentration of short-lived intermediate chemical reactions
between fuel and oxidizer.
a. Based on color and completeness of combustibility of fuel.
1. Luminous Flame – it is orange red, will deposit soot at the bottom of a vessel being heated
due to incomplete combustion of fuel and has a lower temperature.
2. Non-luminous Flame – it is blue, will not deposit soot due to almost complete combustion of
the fuel and has relatively high temperature.
b. Based on fuel and air mixture.
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1. Premixed Flame is exemplified by the bunsen-type laboratory burner where the hydrocarbon is
thoroughly mixed with air before reaching the flame zone.
2. Diffusion Flame is observed when gas fuel alone is forced through the nozzle into the
atmosphere, which diffuses, in the surrounding atmosphere in order to form a flammable mixture. c.
Based on smoothness
1. Laminar Flames are flames that follow a smooth path through a gaseous flame.
2. Turbulent Flames are those having unsteady, irregular swirls and eddy.
Lesson 1.4. Heat
Heat is described as a condition of matter in motion caused by the movement of molecules. All
matters contain some heat, regardless of how low the temperature, because molecules are
constantly moving. When a body of matters is heated, the speed of molecules increases and thus the
temperature increases. Anything that sets the molecules of a material in faster motion produces
in heat that material. Heat is an essential element in converting fuel to gaseous state.
Electron
Proton
Neutron
Nucleus- center
Sources of Heat Energy
The following are the five general categories of heat energy:
a. Chemical Heat Energy –Chemically produced heat is the result of rapid oxidation. The speed of
the oxidation reaction is an important factor; rust is also the product of oxidation, but a very slow
one. This source of heat is generated as the result of some type of chemical reactions. Four types
of chemical heat energy: - generate because of chemical reaction
Oxidation process
Rapid- fast combination of air to substance or elements
Slow- slow version of combination
1. Heat Combustion – It is the amount of heat released during the complete oxidation where
the organic fuel is converted to water vapor and carbon dioxide. –burning process, there is
a fire there is releasing heat
2. Spontaneous heating – It is the process of increase in temperature of a material as a result
of slow oxidation, that is without drawing heat from surrounding. –self heating, slow
oxidation process increase the temp of material without growing heat, but react cause
of oxidation in its place, exp: garami
-coil
3. Heat of decomposition – It is the heat produced by the decomposition of compounds
requiring the addition of heat for their formation.
4. Heat of solution – it is the heat released by the solution of matter in liquid
b. Mechanical Heat Energy – it is the product of friction. Examples of mechanical heat energy: it
has a force to produce heat, sliding rolling of two objects
1. Frictional Heat – It results when mechanical energy is used in overcoming the resistance to
motion when two solids are rubbed together.
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2. Overheating of Machinery – It may cause fie from the heat accumulated from the rolling,
sliding or friction in machinery or between two hard objects. –moving part of the machines
3. Heat of Compression – It refers to the heat that is released when gas is compressed.
c. Electrical Heat Energy - The product of arcing, shorting or other electrical malfunction.
-reistance higher produce more heat
Time-the longer the time the electric flows the larger the heat
Amount of heat- the larger the amount of electrical more heat will produce
1. Resistant Heating – Refers to the heat generated by passing an electrical current through a
conductor such as wire or an appliance. Resistant eating is increased if the wire is not large
enough in diameter for the amount of current.
2. Leakage Current Heating – It occurs when a wire is not property insulated well enough to
contain all the current. Some current leaks out into the surrounding material such as inside
the wall of structure. This current can cause heat and fire.
3. Heat of Arcing – A type of electrical heating that occurs when the current is interrupted.
Interruption maybe from an open switch or a loose connection. The charges are naturally
attracted to each other and seek to become evenly charged again. Static electricity is often to
blame when a fire occurs as flammable liquids are transferred between containers that are not
properly electrically bonded together.
4. Inductive Heating – Whenever atoms are subjected to electric potential gradients from
external sources, the arrangement of the atoms is distorted with tendency for electrons to
move in the direction of opposite direction.
5. Static Electricity – It is the build-up of positive charge on one surface and negative
charge on another surface.
d. Nuclear heat energy – It is the product of the splitting or fusing of atomic particles (fission and
fusion) repeatedly.
1. Nuclear Fission – It occurs when a subatomic particle called neutron bombards an
appropriate type of nucleus.
2. Nuclear Fusion – It includes all nuclear reactions in which two lighter nuclei combined to
form heavier nucleus with the emission of other particles or gamma rays.
e. Solar Heat Energy –The energy transmitted from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation
is called solar heat energy.
Heat Transfer
One is called the Law of Heat flow-specifies that heat tends to flow from a hot substance to a
cold substance.
The following are the means of heat transfer:
1. Conduction – (direct contact of the substance high temp to low temp) The transfer of heat from
a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature by increased kinetic energy.
Conductors are materials that heat can pass through.
Things on which flow of heat is slow are called insulators.
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2. Radiation – The process of heat transfer by means of infrared radiation, a form of electromagnetic
wave.
3. Convection – It is the transfer of heat through a circulating medium.
Heat Measurement
Heat of a given material is measured by its temperature. A material is made up of minute particles
called molecules that are in constant motion. The temperature of the material is the condition that
determines whether it will transfer heat to or from other materials. Temperature Units
1. Celsius Centigrade (0*C ice – 100*C boiling point)
2. Fahrenheit Degree (32*F – 212*F)
3. Kelvin or Absolute (273*K – 373*K)
Lesson 1.5. Classification of Fire
The class of fire determines the type of fire extinguishers to be used. The action of the fire
extinguishers is either to cool the burning substance below its ignition temperature, or to exclude air
supply or a combination of both. These are quenching, cooling, and blanketing effects.
1. Class A – involves solid combustible materials. Water is used in cooling or quenching effect to
reduce the temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature. , triangle green color
2. Class B – involves flammable and combustible liquids. The smothering or blanketing effect of oxygen
exclusion is most effective for extinguishments. square
3. Class C – fires involving electrical equipment. A non-conducting extinguishing agent such as halon,
dry chemical, or carbon dioxide can sometimes control these fires. Circle
4. Class D – fires involving combustible metals. star –powder,water
5. Class K – involves commercial cooking appliances with vegetable oil.
. Classification of Fire – to determine the type of extinguisher octagon

Blanketing effects- reduce oxygen
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Oxygen 21 in the air and 16 percent oxygen content to burn

Ignition point- flame poduce, visible body of combustion
Natural-cause by the nature
Accidendal- like over cooking
Intentional - with suspect cause of human, there’s a crime, own volition
Sufficient amount of oxygen and fuel-
Phases of Fire and Its Behavior

As fire progresses, it normally passes through three phases: incipient, free burning and
smoldering. Many factors can alter the rate and intensity of a fire’s evolution. No two fires are exactly the
same. They vary in many ways from incident to accident.
a. The incipient phase – The earliest phase of fire with the actual ignition.
The behavior of fire during the incipient phase is roll over or sometimes referred to as
flameover. In the incipient phase, the oxygen content in the air has not been significantly
reduced, and the fire is producing water vapor, carbon dioxide, a small quantity of sulfur
dioxide, carbon monoxide and other gases. It takes place when unburned combustible
gases released during the incipient phase accumulate at the ceiling level. These
superheated gases are pushed, under pressure, away from the fire area and into
uninvolved areas where they mix with oxygen.
b. Steady-state burning phase or Free burning phase – It is the phase of
fire where
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sufficient oxygen and fuel are available for fire growth and open burning to a point where a total
involvement is possible. When the temperature reaches the ignition temperature of these items, a
flashover occurs. Flashover is a stage in the development of a continued fire in which all exposed
surfaces reach ignition temperature, more or less simultaneously and fire spreads rapidly.
c. Hot smoldering Phase – burning is reduced to glowing embers. As
flames die down the room becomes completely filled with dense smoke and gases which
are forced from all cracks under pressure. Backdraft can occur at this phase. Backdraft is
an explosion resulting from the sudden introduction of oxygen into a confined space
containing oxygen-deficient superheated products of incomplete combustion.
Indications of Backdraft are:
1. Fire gases under control
2. Pressurized smoke existing in small opening.
3. Existence of black smoke that is becoming dense gray yellow.
4. Confinement of excessive heat.
5. Little flame or no visible flame.
6. Smoke leaves the building in puff or at intervals.
7. Windows are smoke stained.
8. Muffled sounds are heard inside the building.
9. Violent rushing of air inside when opening is made.
The other behaviors of fire are flash fire and bite back. Biteback occurs when the fire resists
extinguishment operation and become stronger and bigger instead.
Flash fire mixture of fire , sudden, it will sparked the fire
Hot smoldering phaseburning is reduced glowing embers

Products of Combustion
When a fire occurs, certain by-products of fire dangerous to human being will appear. When a fuel
burns, there are four products of combustion:
1. Heat – It is a form of energy that is measured in degrees of temperature to signify its intensity.
It is a product of combustion that is responsible for the spread of fire.
2. Flame – It is the visible, luminous, body of a burning gas. When the burning gas is mixed with
the proper amount of oxygen, the flame becomes hotter and less luminous. , blue to white enough oxygen
3. Smoke – It consists of a mixture of oxygen, carbon monoxide, finely divided that have been
released from the material involved.
4. Fire Gases – Refers to those gases that remain when the product of combustion are cooled
below normal temperature.
a. Carbon Dioxide - b. Carbon Monoxide c. Ashes and Embers
wood products most dangerous,
burning of hair chem
product, colorless
highly toxic, odorless
coooldown
d. Hydrogen Sulfide - , e. Hydrogen Chloride – f. Hydrogen Cyanide
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rubber, skin, milk cloride cgem,

colorless, irriatting
ig. Nitrogen Dioxide h. Acrolein i. Phosgene
Sulfur dioxide
Hydro cyanide- incomplete combustion

Nitrogen dioxide- heres a color redish, nitrage organic
Acrolein- petroleum product
Phosgene- oil
1000 , effects of various fire gases
CHAPTER 2. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

Lesson 2.1. Firefighting Equipment
The most important equipment of a fire department includes communication systems, firetrucks and
special fire vehicles. In addition, the firefighters themselves require special protective clothing.
Communication System is necessary to alert fire departments to the outbreak of a fire.
Fire Trucks
This is any type of firetruck used to carry equipment or people to a fire or emergency. Many fire
departments have several different types of fire trucks. The main types are fire engine, ladder trucks,
rescue trucks and aerial ladder trucks.
1. Fire engines – A truck that pumps water to the fire. It has a large pump that takes water from a
small fire hydrant or other source.
2. Ladder Trucks – This type of truck has two kinds:
a. Aerial Ladder Truck – It has a metal extension ladder mounted on a turntable.
b. Elevating Platform Truck – It has a cage like platform that can hold several people.
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3. Rescue Ladders – It is an enclosed vehicle equipped with many of same kinds of forcible entry
tools
4. Special Fire Vehicles – It includes airport crash trucks and hazardous material trucks. They spray
foam or dry chemicals on burning aircraft.
Protective Clothing
Firefighters require special clothing for protection against flames, falling objects, heat, toxic gases or lack
of oxygen, loss of vision, loss of communication and physical damage.
Ladder
It is a portable piece of equipment with rungs attached to sides made of metal, wood or rope, used for
climbing up or down.
Types of Ladder
a. Singles or Straight Ladder – a ladder that is non-adjustable in length and consist only of one
section, sometimes called as wall ladder, used for quick access of windows and roofs of one and two
stories buildings.
b. Extension Ladder – It is a adjustable in length. It consists of two or more section, which travels in
guides or brackets to permit adjustments.
c. Roof Ladder – This is a singles ladder equipped with folding hooks at the top end which provides
means to anchor the ladder over the roof ridges or other roof parts.
d. Folding Ladders – This is a single ladder that has hinges rungs, allowing them to be folded up so
that one beam rests against the other. This is short in length and only required reaching a short
distance.
e. Aerial Ladder – It is a power operated metal ladder mounted on specially build chassis. The aerial
ladder is hydraulically powered and maybe mounted on a single chassis or three axle tractor drawn
vehicle.
f. Tower Ladders – It combines some features of both aerial ladder equipment and elevating
platforms.
g. Elevating Platforms – a portable elevator controlled by an operator.
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h. Pompier Ladder – It consists of a large gooseneck hook at the tip, with singles bed through
which the rungs project.
i. Pole Ladder – This is an extension ladder that has stay poles for added stability.
j. Combination Ladder – This is designed so that they may be used as single extension or A
frame ladder.
k. Articulating Aerial Tower – It is an apparatus consisting two or more boom sections within
enclosed platform attached to the top of the bottom.
Parts of an Extension Ladder:
1. Base Section/Bed Section/Main Section – The lower section of an extension
ladder.
2. Beam – The said rail (bar) of a ladder.
3. Dogs/Locks/Pawls – These are metal devices used to hold the fly section in place
after it has been raised.
4. Fly Section – It refers to the upper section or top portion of an extension ladder.
5. Guides/Channels – Woods or metal strips on an extension ladder which guide the
fly section while being raised.
6. Halyard – A rope used for raising fly section.
7. Heat Sensor Label – A level affixed to the ladder beam near the tip used to provide
warning that the ladder has been subjected to excessive heat.
8. Heel (Butt) – It is the bottom or ground end of a ladder.
9. Heel Plates – This are metal safety plates attached to the heel ground ladder to
stabilize the ladder and protect the beam.
10. Hooks – A curved, sharp metal device which folds outward from each beam at the
end of a roof ladder.
11. Protective Plates – These are plates fastened to a ladder designed to prevent wear
at point where it comes in contact with mounting barracks.
12. Pulley – It refers to the small grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn.
13. Rails – The two lengthwise members of a trussed ladder beam which are separated
by truss or separation tools.
14. Rungs – These are cross members between the beam which people climb.
15. Safety shoes/shoes – These are rubber or neoprene spike plates, usually of the
swivel type, attached to the heel of ground ladders.
16. Spurs – These are metal points at the lower end of tormentor’s pole.
17. Stay poles – These are poles which are attached to the long extension ladder to
assist in raising and steadying the ladder, some of which are permanently attached
and some are not.
18. Stops – woods or metal pieces which prevent the fly section from being extended
too far.
19. Top or Tip – It is the extreme top of the ladder.
20. Truss Block – It is the separated pieces between the rails of a trussed ladder used
to support the rungs.
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Fire Hose
It is a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source supply
to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire.
Parts of a fire hose:
1. Hose Hoist– It is a device which rope or hose maybe pulled to hoist or lower equipment when
firefighters are operating in building above the ground level.
2. Hose Clamp – It is a tool to shut off the water in hose lines when other control valves are not
applicable. It used to replace a burst section of hose, to extend lines, or to hold water back for
line advancement without shutting off the source supply.
3. Hose Jacket – It is used to seal small cuts or breaks which may occur in fire hose or to
connect damaged couplings of the same size.
4. Hose Spanner Wrench – It is used to tighten or loosen hose couplings, but this versatile tool
can be used to close utility cooks, pry and hammer.
5. Fire Hose Ramps and Bridges – It protects hose from injuries from vehicles crossing hose
lines.
6. Nozzle – A piece of firefighting equipment used to direct and control stream of water.
Fire Extinguisher
This is a mechanical device, usually made of metals, containing chemicals, fluids or gases for
stopping a fire.
How to use a Portable Fire Extinguisher?
In case of fire, just remember the acronym PASS in order to operate a fire extinguisher.
P- ull the pin.
A- im the extinguisher, with the nozzle pointing at the base of the flames.
S- queeze the hand trigger, as you hold the extinguisher upright.
S- weep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the are/base of the flame.
Markings Required on Fire Extinguishers:
1. Date of original filling to be permanently stamped on the body near the valve/control
assembly.
2. Chemical contents.
3. Type of extinguisher
4. Operating instruction
5. Safe procedure in usage
6. Name and address of the manufacturer
7. Name and address of the dealer
Prohibited Acts with Regards to Fire Extinguishers:
1. Removal of inspection tags attached to fire extinguishers.
2. Re-filling a discharged fire extinguisher with an extinguishing agent other than that
what the unit was designed to contain.
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3. Selling fire extinguishers not appropriate to the hazard.

4. Selling defective or substandard fire extinguishers.
Classifications of Fire Extinguisher:
A. Portable Fire Extinguishers – These types of fire extinguishers can be carried to the fire area for
a fast attack. There are types of portable fire extinguishers:
1. Water Fire Extinguisher – These are extinguishers that use water or a water solution as the
extinguishing agent and is suitable only for class A fires.
a. Soda-Acid Extinguisher
b. Cartridge-Operated Water Extinguisher
c. Pin-Type Cartridge Operated Extinguisher
d. Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher -
e. Pump-Tank Extinguisher – you need to pump
2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher – These are used primarily on Class B and Class C fires. 3. Dry
Chemical Extinguisher – All have at least BC rating; the mono-ammonium phosphate extinguisher
carries an ABC rating.
4. Dry Powder Extinguisher – It is the only extinguisher that may be used on combustible metal
(class D fires). – sodium
5. Halon Extinguisher – a liquefied, compressed gas that stops the spread of fire by chemically
disrupting combustion. –chemical reaction
a. Halon 1211 (
b. Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane)
B. Semi-Portable Fire Extinguisher – one which hose can be run out to the fire. The other
components of the system are fixed in place, usually because they are too heavy to move easily. Pd
1906, pd 1185
a. Carbon Dioxide Hose – Reel System
b. Dry Chemical Hose System
c. Halon Hose-Reel System
C. Fixed Fire Extinguishing System – most components of this system are fixed in place. This is
designed and installed as part of its original construction. Before the installationof a fixed system
within a building, the following should be considered: a. Fire classes of potential hazard
b. Extinguishing agent to be employed
c. Location of specific hazards
d. Explosion potentials
e. Method of fire detection
f. Protection of the occupants
The following are basic guidelines in the installation of fixed fire extinguishing system:
1. Water is used in protecting areas containing ordinary combustible material.
2. Foam or dry chemical is used in protecting spaces subject to class B fires.
3. Carbon dioxide and halon is used to protect class C fires.
The Ideal Safety Tandem: Sprinkler System and Smoke Detector
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Water Sprinkler System – This is generally used to protect living quarters, adjacent and
passageways. Their primarily function is to protect the building structure, limit the spread of fire and
control the amount of heat produced.
The Fire Code of the Philippines (Section 40 of PD 1185) mandates that all high rise buildings that
are above 15 meters in height must be equipped with sprinkler fire suppression systems.
Importance of the Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system is the building’s built in fire suppression or firefighting system. When fire
occurs, the heat from the flames will melt the sprinkler heads and fire occurs, the heat from the flames
will melt the sprinkler heads and cause the water in the system to flow, inundating the burning area thus
putting out the fire.
Smoke Detector – sounds an alarm when detecting smoke, alerting PYRyou to a fire. This should be
installed 4-12 inches from the ceiling.
Importance of Smoke Detector
By giving you time to escape, smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half
since majority of fires happen at night when people are sleep. This sounds an alarm that alerts you to
a fire. This must be mounted 4-12 inches from the ceiling and should be attached at least four inches
from the nearest wall in a room with a high pitched ceiling.
Mall mounted- smoke detector
Guidelines in extinguishing the classes of fire:
Lesson 2.2. Firefighting Capability
You do not have to be a well-trained, fully equipped fireman to put out a small fire. You just
need to have the presence of mind in knowing what to do, and the necessary firefighting equipment to
do the job. It is also important that the fire you are putting out is still small and in its very early stage.
Thus, the most effective combination is: early detection and quick reaction. Beyond these
parameters, it would be more difficult and down right to put out fire. So if you are not equipped, and
the fire you are trying to put out is already in its advanced stage, your only safe bet is to evacuate
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yourself, and everyone else in the house, a quickly as possible. (Abaygar,2000) Knowledge and
skills in basic firefighting:
It is not enough that you have the firefighting tools. They won’t do any good if you do not know
how to use them. Take time to familiarize yourself and the members of your household with the
different firefighting tools, how and when to use them.
When not to fight fire?
While it is important to know how to fight fire, it is also just important to know when not to fight fire.
1. If fire is already spread beyond where it originally started.

2. If you are in situation where, while fighting the fire, you have no avenue to escape.
3. If you do not have any adequate firefighting equipment.
In anyone of the above circumstances, the safest thing for you to do is to LEAVE
IMMEDIATELY and CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Specific firefighting tips:
It is a normal reaction for most people to immediately flee, at the first onset of fire. This is certainly
the safest personal approach to any fire. However, there are specific instances when you can
successfully fight fire, provided that;
1. The fire has just started and it is still small.
2. You have the correct, appropriate firefighting equipment.
3. You know what you are doing.
Assuming the above conditions, here are specific tips and firefighting techniques:
Timing is very critical. You must be able to act fast and correctly, as soon as the fire starts –
before it has a chance to grow and spread. This assumes that there is very early detection of this
incipient fire - either with an early warning smoke detector or you were fortunnate enough to have
someone immediately notice it while at its very early state. It is only at this early state of the fire that
you can expect to put it out. Once it has begun to spread, your only alternative is to evaluate.
What to do if someone actually catches a fire?
1. Stop moving immediately.

2. Drop to the ground or floor.
3. Roll to smother the flames. If you have a fire blanket or damp clothing material, cover the
person as he or she rolls.
Lesson 2.3. Fire Safety Construction
Fire safety construction can be regarded as the subject of fire engineering which aims towards the
elimination or reduction of fire hazards on building structures, selection and control of combustible
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contents and linings, design the building geometry and layout. Its principal objective relate to life
safety and property protection.
Fire science – It is a subset of science that has direct contribution to make towards fire safety
and protection.
Strategies of Fire Safety
1. Prevention of Ignition. This strategy includes the following:

a. Control/eliminate ignition sources.
b. Control/ material that easily ignited.
c. Use non-combustible materials.
d. Use materials of low ignitability.
2. Prevention or Delay of Flash over
Flashover is the period of rapid acceleration of the rate of burning.
Specific Tactics in Fire Safety Construction
1. Prevention – To ensure that the fire do not start by controlling ignition sources. Among the
five tactics this must be the one to be given attention by the designer. The following are the
five tactics:
a. Management
b. Training
c. Housekeeping
d. Fire Safety Insulation
e. Signs and Fire Notices
2. Communication – To ensure that, if ignition occurs, the occupants are informed and any
active fire systems are triggered. The following are the components:
a. Alarm and detection
b. Observation
c. Manual, singaling, automatic
3. Escape – To ensure that the occupants of the building and the surrounding areas are able to
move to places of safety before they are threatened by the heat and smoke. It is the last
available tactic that can be attempted in all other fails.
4. Containment – To ensure that the fire is contained to the smallest possible area, limiting the
amount of property likely to be damaged and the threat of life safety.
5. Extinguishment – To insure that the fire can be extinguished quickly and with minimum
consequential damage to the building.
Fire Safety Design in a Building
Section 701 (Occupancy Classification) of PD 1096 provides that a building proposed for
construction shall be identified according to their use of the character of its occupancy and shall be
classified as follows.
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1. Places of Assembly. A building in which 50 or more person gather together for purposes
such as deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement or awaiting transportation. It is
classified into:
a. CLASS A – capacity of 1000 person or more.
b. CLASS B – capacity of 300 to 1000 persons.
c. CLASS C – capacity of 50 to 300 persons.
2. Educational Occupancy – A building where six or more persons gather for purpose of
instruction, the occupant load is more than 1.8 sq.m/ person or 4.6 sq.m/person .for
laboratories, shops and similar vocational rooms.
3. Institutional Occupancy – A building used for purposes such as treatment of care of persons
suffering from physical or mental illness, disease or infirmity. Care of infants or aged persons,
and penal or correctional purposes.
4. Residential Occupancy – A building with sleeping and or sleeping accommodation provided
for residential purposes except those qualified under institutional occupancies.
5. Mercantile Occupancy – A building used for the purpose of selling merchandise or goods. It
is classified into:
Class A: Stores saving more than 2787 sq.m aggregate gross area or three floor
levels for sale purposes.
Class B: Less than 2787 sq.m. aggregate area but over 28 sq.m or utilizing any
balcony, mezzanine or floor above or below the street level for sales purposes.
Class C: 287 sq.m or less gross area for sales purposes on the street only.
6. Business Occupancy – buildings used for transaction of business other than covered under
Mercantile (e.g. office of lawyers, doctors and dentists.
7. Industrial Occupancy – buildings that are designed for making products of all kinds and
properties developed to operation such as processing, assembling, mixing packaging, etc.
8. Storage Occupancy – these are buildings or structures utilized primarily for storage or
sheltering of goods, merchandize, vehicles, products or animals.
9. Mixed Occupancy – buildings or structures in which two or more classes of occupancy are
present and that separate safeguards are impracticable. Each space shall be considered
individually.
10. Miscellaneous – these are buildings or structures that cannot be properly classified in any of
the preceding occupancy group.
 Application of Fire Protection Technology

A. Installed Fire Protection System. The three basics component of an installed fire protection
system are as follows, (PSBRC)
1. Detection System. It is used to sense fire or smoke. It is composed of:
a. Central control unit and enunciator
b. Primary power supply
c. Emergency power supply
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d. One or more initiating devices

e. and supervisory control units.
2. Alarm Signaling System. It is used to warn occupants of the building of incipient
fire.
3. Suppression System. It is used to limit the spread of fire and possibly extinguish
it. It is composed of:
a. Water supply and distribution piping.
b. Sprinkler heads.
c. Sprinkler alarms.
Purposes of Fire Protection:
1. To detect the presence of fire as soon as possible.

2. To alert inhabitants of the building and possibly the local fire department regarding fire.
3. To extinguish or suppress the fire as much as possible until the fire department arrives.
B. Fire Detection and Alarm System. The following are the components of Fire Detection and
Alarm Systems:
1. Alarm Initiating Devices
a. Manual. It requires human actions to initiate a fire alarm (e.g. pull station).
b. Automatic Detectors. This needs not require human action.
1. Heat Detectors. Restorable type that sends a signals when a certain air
temperature is reached.
2. Smoke Detectors. Offers two mechanisms fr sensing smoke and other
products of combustion.
3. Flame Detectors. Sensitive ultraviolet and infrared light emission.
4. Particle Sampling Detector. It detects specific gases associated with
combustion, such as carbon monoxide the primary killer gas in fire.
2. Audible Signaling Devices. e.g horn, gong, bell, siren, whistle, recorded voice
tape or public address system.
3. Central Control Unit – considered the brain of the system, alarm initiating devices
and audible signaling system are linked to and monitored by the central control unit
or CCU.
The CCU Generates signals in Three Modes:
a. Normal Mode – the CCU indicator shows green light indicating the system is
powered and working properly.
b. Alarm Mode – when activated by an alarm initiating device (such as a smoke,
heat, flame detector or pull station), the CCU produces a red light, which may be
flashing and an audible alarm signal. It may also activate sprinklers or other
suppression devices.
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c. Trouble Mode – a trouble signal indicated by an amber light is generated when

critical alarm system circuits or components fails.
. C. Automatic Sprinklers – it is the most common form of installed fire suppression system. It is a
network of pipes and nozzles that releases water directly into a fire from overhead. The
following are the (5) Five types of Sprinkler System.
1. Wet pipes – the most common type where water is available in all sections of pipe
at all times, under pressure and ready to be discharged. When this system
operates, water issues only from those sprinklers in the vicinity of the fire. The
operating mechanism is in the sprinkler.
2. Dry Pipes – the dry pipe sprinklers uses compressed air or nitrogen gas pressure
to keep water out of the overhead pipes and limited to the riser until a fire occurs. It
is advantageous in environment where freeze (cold) temperature is likely to occur.
3. Pre-action Sprinkler System – this system operates sprinklers, water is
contained within the riser by a control valve that is activated by a fire detector
system. Overhead pipes contain air that may or may not be under pressure. It is
activated by a separate detection system.
4. Deluge Sprinkler System – this system operates in a way that is similar to the
pre-action system, except that the sprinkler heads are always open. It is activated
b a separate detection system that opens the control valve.
5. Combined Dry pipe and Pre-action Sprinkler System – it retains air or nitrogen
under pressure in the overhead pipes. A separate fire detection system opens the
control valve to fill the overhead lines with water before he sprinklers open. If the
detection system fails for some reason, the sprinklers act as a dry pipe system.
D. Standpipes and Hose System – standpipes are one of the best means for fighting in
buildings and structures and can be a welcome complement to automatic sprinklers systems.
The standpipe is designed to:
1. Provide effective quantities of water to a fire quickly in difficult-to-reach places of
buildings; and
2. Provide a ready means of protecting a building occupants or contents.
The following are the uses of standpipe:

1. It is used by Fire Departments and those trained in handling heavy fire
streams.
2. It is used primarily by buildings occupants until the arrival of the Fire
Department.
3. It is used by either the Fire Department or the building occupants
The following are the components of standpipe:
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1. Cabinet
2. Unlined, lined hose on rack
3. Control valve
4. Pipe reducer connection
5. Water flow indicator
6. Water pressure gauge
7. Standpipe
E. Dry Chemical Suppression System – it is commonly used for the following application:
1. Commercial cooking Hazards.
2. Petrochemical applications (marine loading docks))
3. Manufacturing applications (paint spray booths, dip tanks)
4. Utility application (transformer protection, generator protection, turbine protection)
5. Mining application (lubricants areas)
The following are the advantages of dry chemical:
1. It provides rapid knockdown of a flame.

2. Is reduces damage done by the flame.
3. It reduces probability of spread of fire to other areas.
The following are the disadvantages of dry chemical:
1. The residue left after a fire can be messy.

2. Propensity to solidity when expose to moist atmosphere.
Lesson 2.4. Fire Safety Inspection

Fire safety inspection is the first line of defense against fire. It involves the examination of buildings,
structure or facility for defects, deficiencies or violation on the fire safety and protection requirements,
(P.S.B.R.C).
Fire safety inspection points out risks and hazards in the facility, which are noted at the end of the
report to be remedied by employers.
The things that the fire safety inspectors will most likely check are as follows:
1. The inspector will check the safety systems that are in place. These include both the
active and passive fire protection equipment.
a. Active fire protection systems include sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and smoke
alarms.
b. Passive fire protection system includes anything that prevents fires from spreading or
assist with egress, for examples, lighted exit signs as well as exit doors.
2. The inspector will determine the fire hazards that exist within the building and ways and
ways that a fire may spark.
3. The inspector will make sure that emergency responders have easy access to the facility
in case of emergency.
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Positive that come with completing inspections annually or whenever the local jurisdiction
requires them to be included, including:
a. A safer place for the residents or employees.
b. A safer building for visitors or customers.
c. Job security.
d. A better resale value for the building since there will not be anything needing to be
fixed as an extra cost upon selling it.
e. Lower insurance cost may available for those.
Importance of Conducting Inspection
1. It is a pre-requisite before granting a business permit by LGU.
2. It is a pre-requisite before granting building permit by the building Official or City/Municipal
Engineer and other government agency concerned in the granting of permits and licenses.
Responsibility in Conducting a Fire Safety Inspection

1. City/Municipal Fire Marshal – responsible for the conduct
of annual/periodic/regular fire safety inspection.
2. NCR District/Provincial Fire Marshal – verification/re-inspection as delegated authority
from provincial Police Superintendent.
3. ARD/Regional Fire Marshal – Validation/re-inspection and imposition of administrative
fine up to P6,000.00.
4. Chief, BFP – fire safety inspection and imposition of administrative fine up to
P12,000.00.
The Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection serves as an
assurance that a certain facility, structure or building/occupancy has been duly inspected and
deemed complying to the Fire Code of the Philippines or RA 9514.
Phases of Implementation of RA 9514 and PD 1096:
1. Pre- Construction Phase
a. Processing of building permit
b. Issuance of comment with respect to the fire safety and protection requirements by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal within three (3) working day.
2. Construction Phase
a. Issuance of Building Permit
b. Conduction of pre inspection and final inspection
c. Issuance of fire safety inspection certificate within tree (3) working days.
3. Post Construction Phase
a. Periodic/regular annual inspection
b. Re inspection
The Actual Process:
1. Building plan review
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a. Building owners/occupants are required to submit 6 sets of building plans and other pertinent
documents to the City/Municipal Fire Marshal (Sec. 9.0.2.1 a)
b. Upon assessment, buildings owners/occupants will be asked to pay Fire Code fees (Sec.
9.0.2.1
c. Submit the Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report 1 (FALAR).
d.City/Municipal Fire Marshal will either approve or disapprove the evaluated plans together with the
Fire Safety Checklist (FSC) and the approved/disapproved Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC)
2. Inspection during construction
3. Inspection after completion of construction
a. Submit the Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report 2 (FALAR)
4. Business and routine inspection
a. Submit the Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report 3 (FALAR)
b. If the building premises comply with the fire safety requirements and fire protective and/or
warning systems such as fire sprinkler systems, automatic extinguishing systems, and fire
alarms are properly installed, the City/Municipal Fire Marshal will issue the Fire Safety
Inspection Certificate (FSIC).
c. No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire
Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the BFP Chief or his/her duly authorized
representative (Sec. 5, (g))
Three (3) E’s of Fire Prevention:
1. Engineering – Design and build structures that are safe from fire. Use the best building
practices to resist fire or prevent great loss from fire.
2. Education – Teach people how to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fire.
3. Enforcement - Enforce fire codes. While buildings are being designed and build, ensure that
the work is done within required fire codes. Once construction is completed, fire and life safety
code should be followed and enforced.
Lesson 2.5. Extinguishing Agents
Extinguishing agent is a substance that will put out a fire. Every extinguishing agent operates by
attacking one or more sides of the fire tetrahedron. The specific actions involved are the following:
1. Cooling – to reduce the temperature. This is the direct attack of the heat side of the fire
tetrahedron. Water based or aqueous agents are highly effective of reducing the temperature
of a fire by absorbing heat. A fire grows by heating nearby fuel, resulting in vaporization and
combustion of an expanding array of burning surfaces. The application of water based agents
coats the surface of the fuel, inhibiting vaporization of the fuel and likewise absorbs heat from
the combustion zone.
2. Smothering – to separate the fuel from oxygen. This can be considered as attack on the
edge of the fire tetrahedron where the fuel and oxygen meat.
3. Oxygen dilution – to reduce the amount of available oxygen needed to sustain combustion.
This is an attack on the oxygen side of the tetrahedron. A foam blanket can float on top of a
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flammable or combustible liquid, thus preventing oxygen from entering the combustion zone
and oxidizing the combustible liquid, while simultaneously cooling the surface of the liquid.
4. Chain breaking – to disrupt the chemical process that sustains the fire (the chain reaction
side of the tetrahedron).
Different types of extinguishing agents:
A. Water extinguishing agent
Water is a liquid between the temperature of 0*C and 100*C (32 *F and 212 *F) 100*C if it
boils and turns to steam. Water weighs about 1kg/liter (8.5lbs/gal); freshwater weighs slightly less,
and seawater slightly more. Being fluid and relatively heavy water is easily transported through fire
mains and hoses when it is placed under pressure. The velocity of water is increased by forcing it
through restricted nozzle at the working end of the hose.
Extinguishing Capabilities of Water:
1. Water is primarily a cooling agent. It absorbs heat and cools burning materials more
effectively than any of the commonly used extinguishing agent.
2. Water has an important secondary effect: when it turns to steam, it converts from the
liquid state to the gaseous or vapor state. This great cloud of steam surrounds the fire,
displacing the air that supplies oxygen for the combustion process. Thu water provides a
smothering action as well as cooling.
3. Seawater is just effective in fighting fire as fresh water. In fact hard water, soft water and
distilled water are all equally effective against class A fires.
Types of water fire extinguishers:
1. Wet water – a type of water that has been treated with a chemical agent to lower its
surface tension. The treated water penetrates porous materials, such as baled cotton and
rolls of fabric, more easily than plain water.
2. Thick water – a type of water that has been treated to decrease its ability to flow. It forms
a thick wall that clings to burning material and remains in place longer than plain water.
3. Rapid slippery water – A type of water that has been added with small quantities of
polyethyline oxide. This chemical reduces the viscocity (thickness) of the water and the
friction loss in hose lines.
B. Foam extinguishing agent
Foam is a blanket of bubbles that extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. The bubbles are
formed by mixing water and foam making agent (foam concentrate). The result is called a foam
solution.
Extinguishing Effects of Foam:
1. Firefighting foam is used to form a blanket on the surface of flaming liquids,
including oils. The blanket prevents flammable vapors from reaching the fuel. Fire
cannot exist when the fuel and oxygen are separated.
2. The water on the foam also has a cooling effect which gives foams its class A
extinguishing capability.
Types of foam extinguishing agent
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1. Chemical foam – It is formed by mixing an alkali (usually sodium bicarbonate) with

an acid in water.
2. Mechanical foam – It is produced by mixing foam concentrate with water to
produce a foam solution. The bubbles are formed by the turbulent mixing of air and
the foam solution.
Limitations on the use of foam:
1. Because they are aqueous (water solutions) foams are electrically conductive, and should
not be used on live electrical equipment.
2. Like water, foams should not be used on combustible metal.
3. Many types of foam must not be used with dry chemical extinguishing agents.
4. Foams are not suitable for fires involving gases and cryogenics (extremely low
temperature) liquids. However, high expansion foam is used on cryogenic liquid spills to
rapidly warm the vapors to minimize the hazards of such pills.
5. Sufficient foam must be on hand to ensure that the entire surface of the burning material
can be covered.
Advantages of foam:
1. Foam is very effective smothering agent, and it provides cooling as a secondary effect.
2. Foam sets up a favor barrier that prevents flammable vapors from rising. The surface of
an expose tank can be covered with foam to protect it from a fire in a neighboring tank.
3. Foam is effective in blanketing oil spills.
4. Foam is the most effective extinguishing agent for fires involving large tanks of flammable
liquids.
5. Foam does not break readily; it extinguishes fire progressively when applied at an
adequate rate.
6. Foam stays in place, covers and absorbs heat from materials that could cause reignition.
7. Foam concentrate are not heavy and foam systems do not take up too much space.
C. Carbon dioxide extinguishing agent
Carbon dioxide extinguishing system has, for a long time, been approved for building
installation as well as industrial occupancies. Inside the building, carbon dioxide has been approved
for spaces containing internal combustion or gas turbine propulsion machinery and other spaces.
Extinguishing Properties of Carbon Dioxide
1. Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. It dilutes the air surrounding the
fire until the oxygen content is too low to support combustion. For this reason, it is
effective
on class B fires, where the main consideration is to keep the flammable vapors separated
from oxygen in the air.
2. Carbon dioxide is sometimes used to protect areas containing valuable articles.
3. As mentioned above, it does not conduct electricity and can be used on live electrical
equipment.
Uses of carbon dioxide
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Carbon dioxide is used primarily for class B and class C fires. It may also be used to knock down on
class A fire. It is particularly effective on fire involving:
1. Flammable oils and greases.
2. Electrical and electronic equipment such as motors, generators and navigational devices.
3. Hazardous and semi hazardous solid materials such as plastics except those that contain
their own oxygen.
4. Machinery spaces, engine rooms, and paint and tool lockers.
5. Cargo spaces where total flooding with carbon dioxide may be accomplished.
6. Galley’s containing high value cargo, such as works of art delicate machinery and other
material that would be ruined by water or water-based extinguished agents.
7. Spaces where after-fire cleans up would be a problem. Limitations on the use of carbon
dioxide
1. Effectiveness – Carbon dioxide is not effective on substances that contain their own
oxygen (oxidizing agents). It is not effective on combustible metals such as sodium,
potassium, magnesium, and zirconium. It reacts with the magnesium to form carbon,
oxygen and magnesium oxide. The fire is intensified by the addition of oxygen and carbon,
a fuel.
2. Outside use – to be fully effective, the gas must be confined. For this reason, carbon
dioxide, is not effective outside as it is in confined space. This does not mean it cannot be
used outside an outside fire should be attacked from the windward side. The effective
range of portable carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is about 1.5m (5ft.)
3. Possibility of re-ignition- compared with water, carbon dioxide has a very limited cooling
capacity. It may not cool the fuel below the ignition temperature and it is more likely than
other extinguishing agents to allow reflash.
4. Hazards – Although carbon dioxide is not poisonous to human system, it is suffocating in
the concentration necessary for extinguishments. A person exposed to this concentration
would suffer dizziness and unconsciousness.
D. Dry chemical extinguishing agent
These are chemical extinguishing agents are chemical in powder form. Again this should not
be confused with dry powders, which are intended only for combustible metal fires.
Types of Dry Chemical Extinguishing Agent:
1. Sodium bicarbonate. It is the original dry chemical extinguishing agent. It is generally
referred to as regular dry chemical and is widely used because it is most economical dry
chemical agent. It is particularly effective on animal fats and vegetable oils because it is
chemically changes these substances into nonflammable soaps.
2. Potassium bicarbonate. The dry chemical was originally developed for AFFF in a
twinned system. However, it is commonly used alone, it has been found to be most
effective on liquid fuel fires in driving back and has a good reputation for eliminating
flashback.
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3. Potassium chloride. Chloride was developed as dry chemical that would be compatible
with protein type foams. Its extinguishing properties are about equal to those of potassium
bicarbonate. One drawback is its tendency to cause corrosion after it has extinguished
fire.
4. Urea potassium bicarbonate. This is a British development of which the NFPA says.
Urea potassium bicarbonate exhibits the greatest effectiveness of all the dry chemicals
tested. It is not used because it is expensive.
5. Monoammoniom phosphate (abion c multipurpose).It is otherwise known as
multipurpose dry chemical because it can be effective on class ABC. Ammonium salts
interrupt the chain reaction of flaming combustion.
Extinguishing effects of dry chemical:
1. Cooling – No dry chemical exhibits any great capacity for cooling. However a small
amount of cooling takes place simply because the dry chemical is at lower temperature
than the burning material.
2. Smothering – When dry chemical react with the heat and burning material, some carbon
dioxide and water vapor are produced.
3. Shielding of radiant heat – Chain reactions are necessary for continued combustion
area. This could reduce the amount of heat that is radiated back to the heart of fire.
4. Chain breaking – Chain reactions are necessary for continued combustion. In this chain
reaction, fuel and oxygen molecules are broken down by heat; they combine into the new
molecules giving off additional heat. The additional heat breaks down more molecules,
which the recombine and gives off still more heat. The fire thus builds, or at least sustains
itself, through reactions that liberate enough head to set off other reactions.
Use of dry chemical
All dry chemical agents may be used to extinguish fires involving:
1. Flammable oils and greases.
2. Electrical equipment
3. Hoods, ducts and cooking ranges in galleys and diet kitchens,
4. The surfaces f baled textiles
5. Certain combustible solid such as plastics
6. Machinery, spaces, engine room and paint and tool
Limitations of the use of dry chemical
1. The discharge of large amount of dry chemical could affect people in the vicinity.
2. Dry chemical is not effective on materials that contain their oxygen.
3. Dry chemical may deposit an insulating coating on electronic or telephonic equipment
affecting the operations of the equipment.
4. Dry chemical is not effective on also combustible metals such as sodium and magnesium.
5. Where moisture is present, dry chemical may corrode or stain surface on which it settles.
E. Dry powder extinguishing agent
CITY
LAOAG CITY
Dry powder was developed to control and extinguish fires in combustible metal. As mentioned
earlier dry powder and dry chemical are not the same. Only dry powder is intended to metal fires. It
acts mainly by smothering although some agents provide cooling.
PORTABLE AND WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHER (DIV. 6 CHAPTER 2 R.A.9514)

PROVISIONS OF R.A 9514 FOR THE USAGE OF PORTABLE OR WHEELED FIRE
EXTINGUISHER.
MUNICIPAL OR CITY PAR MARTIAL ARE THE ONE WHO WILL DECIDE HOW MANY FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD
1. LOW HAZARD. Light hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class A
combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations, and content is of minor quantity. This
classification anticipates that majority of content items are either non-combustible or so
arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for
duplicating machines, art departments, and so forth, are included, provided that they are kept in
closed containers and safety stored.
CHURCHES, CLASSROOM, OFFICES
2. MODERATE HAZARD. Ordinary hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of
Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected
under light (low) hazard occupancies.
BUSINESS SHOTS, DINING BUSINESS
3. HIGH HAZARD. Extra hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class A
combustibles and Class B flammables present in storage, production, use, finished product, or
combination thereof, is over and above those expected in occupancies classed as ordinary
(moderate) hazard.
OIL PLANT. FUEL INSIDE IN THE BUILDING. GASOLINE STATION
a) CLASS A HAZARD
(SOLID COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS)
Fire extinguisher for the different types of hazard shall be provided on the basis of Table 9.
Table 9: FIRE EXTINGUISHER FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASS A HAZARD
TYPE OF MIN. MAX. TRAVEL MAX. AREA
HAZARD EXTINGUISHER DISTANCE TO (OPEN AREA)
RATING EXTINGUISHER PER
(M) EXTINGUISHER
(M2)
LOW 2-A 15M 200
MODERATE 3-A* 12M 100
HIGH 4-A* 10M 75
#-GALLOON OF WATER INSIDE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

L- CLASS A
TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER
WATER TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CITY
LAOAG CITY
b) CLASS B HAZARD (OTHER THAN FORE FIRES IN FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OF

APPRECIABLE DEPTH)
(FLAMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS)
Fire extinguisher for the different types of Class B hazards shall be provided on the basis of
Table 10.
Table 10: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASS B HAZARDS
TYPE OF MIN. MAX. TRAVEL MAX.) AREA
HAZARD EXTINGUISHER DISTANCE TO (OPEN AREA)
RATING EXTINGUISHER PER
(M) EXTINGUISHER
(M2)
LOW 5-B 10M 200
MODERATE 10-B 10M 100
HIGH 40-B 10M 75
#- FEET OR DISTANCE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

L- CLASS B
EVERY 1OO THERE IS 1 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER
AFFP- ACQUIOUS FEEL FORMING POAM
FFFP-FEEL FORMING LORROW PROTEIN FOAM
CARBON DIOXIDE
DRY CHEMICAL
c) CLASS C HAZARDS
(ELECTRICAL)
Fire extinguishers with Class C ratings shall be required where energized electrical equipment
can be encountered that would require a nonconducting extinguishing medium. This requirement
includes situation where fire either directly involves or surrounds electrical equipment. Since the
fire itself is a Class A or Class B hazard, the fire extinguishers shall be sized and located on the
basis of the anticipated Class A or Class B hazard.
FLOWING OF ELECTRIC IF THERE IS NO ELECTRIC WILL FLOW TO CLASS A
TYPE OF FIR EXTINGUISHER
DRY CHEMECAL
CARBON DIOXIDE
HALON
d) CLASS D HAZARD
i. Fire extinguishers or extinguishing agent with Class D ratings shall be provided for fires
involving combustible metals.
ii. Fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents (media) shall be located not more than fifteen meters
(15m) of travel distance from the Class D hazard.
iii. Portable fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents (media) for Class D hazards shall be
provided in those work areas where INVOLVED combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings,
chips, or similarly sized products are generated.
CITY
LAOAG CITY
iv. Size determination shall be on the basis of the specific combustible metal, its physical particle
size, area to be covered, and recommendations by the fire extinguisher manufacturer on data
from control tests conducted.
TYPE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
DRY POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHER (SODIUM CHLORIDE)
TEMPERATURE WHERE FIRE EXTINGUISHEN WE PUT
40-49 DEGREEE CELCIUS WATER TYPE, FOAM TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
-40-49 DEGREE CELCIUS DRY CHEMICAL, DRY POWDER, CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
MORE THAN 1 RATING SATISFY ITS LETTER9
TYPE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

PIN
HAND GRIDDER-
PRESSURE GAGE- RECHARGE- REFILL. OVERCHAGED
BODY-CATRIGE/TANK
HOST
NUSSEL
6 FEET DISTANCE
HAS A ICC (IMPORT COMODITY CLEARANCE) STANDARD
Lesson 2.3. Fire Safety Construction
Fire safety construction can be regarded as the subject of fire engineering which aims
towards the elimination or reduction of fire hazards on building structures, selection and
control of combustible contents and linings, design the building geometry and layout. Its
principal objective relate to life safety and property protection.
FIRE ENGINEERING- IS THE APPLICATION OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING

PRINCIPLES, RULES AND EXPERT JUDGEMENT, BASED ON AN UNDERSTANDING OF
THE PHENOMENA AND EFFECTS OF FIRE AND OF THE REACTION AND BEHAVIOR OF
PEOPLE TO FIRE, TO PROTECT PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT FROM
THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF FIRE.
ASSEST TO THE OWNER OF THE BUILDING FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE
IN PHILIPPINES THERE IS NO FIRE ENGINEERING BUT THERE IS A FIRE SAFETY

INSPECTOR OR FIRE EVALUATORS.
THESE OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED BY A VARIETY OF MEANS INCLUDING SUCH

ACTIVITIE ARE;
CITY
LAOAG CITY
 The assessment of the hazards, risks of fire and its effects,

 The mitigation of potential fire damage by proper design, construction and layout, use of
buildings, materials used, structures, industrial processes, transportation system and similar,
 The appropriate level of evaluation for the optimum preventive and protective measure
necessary to limit the consequences of fire,
 The design, installation, maintenance and/or development of fire detection, fire suppression,
fire control. Also fire related communication systems and equipment,
 The direction and control of appropriate equipment and manpower in the strategy and
function of firefighting and rescue operations,
 Post-fire investigation and analysis, evaluation and feedback.
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR
A. Inspect any building, structure or facility and/or any part thereof, hazardous operations, storage
facilities and transportation vehicles of hazardous materials to ensure compliance of the Fire Code
of the Philippines, this IRR and other related laws, regulations, standards and ordinances within the
area of responsibility;
B. Assess compliance with the fire safety requirements, identify and recommend corrective actions for
violations/defects and deficiencies and inform the owner/building administrators/occupants of such
action to comply with the provisions of Fire Code of the Philippines, this IRR and other related laws,
regulations, standards and ordinances;
C. Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies regarding matters relating to the Fire Code of the
Philippines and this IRR, and/or the performance of his/her duties related thereto, when needed;
D. Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop and drills; and;
E. Prepare necessary documents and maintain files and/or records.
THEY ARE THE ONE WHO INSPECT ANY OF THE BUILDING
FIRE SAFETY DRILLS
UNIFORMED PERSONNEL
1 Licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and Electronic and
Communication); or Architect with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or Graduate of any
baccalaureate degree course with at least three (3) years in the BFP;
2 Shall have completed Fire Arson Investigation and Inspection Course (FAIIC); or have
undergone at least forty (40) hours of relevant seminars/workshops on the Fire Code of the
Philippines of 2008 and other relevant fire safety seminars/workshops; and;
3 Non-licensed and Non-engineering graduate must pass the written fire safety inspection
examination conducted by the BFP.
BFP. LICENSED ENGINEER
CITY
LAOAG CITY
NON UNIFORMED PERSONNEL
1 Appointed as Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Sanitary and Electronic and
Communication); or Appointed as Electrical/Building Inspectors; and;
2 Shall have undergone at least forty (40) hours of relevant seminars/workshops on the Fire Code
of the Philippines and other relevant fire safety seminars/workshops;
3 Electrical/Building inspectors must pass the written examination conducted by the BFP,
otherwise they can only conduct inspection relative to their appointment’s duties and functions.
PLAN EVALUATORS
A. Review and evaluate building plans and specifications including fire protection system to
determine compliance to the requirement of the Fire Code, this IRR, Building Code of the
Philippines and other Life and Safety Standard; and;
B. Conduct site verification and inspection on building under construction to determine compliance
with the approved plan and specifications
BFP
CITY

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DATA CENTER COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

PRINCESS APPLE T. GUETTENG

CHAPTER 1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF FIRE

Non luminous flame- blue to white

The following are the classification of fibers according to chemical composition:

Physical properties of matter related to Fire:

. Classification of Fire – to determine the type of extinguisher octagon

Oxygen 21 in the air and 16 percent oxygen content to burn

Phases of Fire and Its Behavior

Hot smoldering phaseburning is reduced glowing embers

rubber, skin, milk cloride cgem,

Hydro cyanide- incomplete combustion

CHAPTER 2. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

3. Selling fire extinguishers not appropriate to the hazard.

Guidelines in extinguishing the classes of fire:

Lesson 2.2. Firefighting Capability

When not to fight fire?

1. If fire is already spread beyond where it originally started.

Specific firefighting tips:

1. The fire has just started and it is still small.

2. You have the correct, appropriate firefighting equipment.

3. You know what you are doing.

What to do if someone actually catches a fire?

1. Stop moving immediately.

Lesson 2.3. Fire Safety Construction

Strategies of Fire Safety

1. Prevention of Ignition. This strategy includes the following:

Fire Safety Design in a Building

 Application of Fire Protection Technology

d. One or more initiating devices

Purposes of Fire Protection:

1. To detect the presence of fire as soon as possible.

The CCU Generates signals in Three Modes:

c. Trouble Mode – a trouble signal indicated by an amber light is generated when

The following are the uses of standpipe:

The following are the components of standpipe:

The following are the advantages of dry chemical:

1. It provides rapid knockdown of a flame.

The following are the disadvantages of dry chemical:

1. The residue left after a fire can be messy.

Lesson 2.4. Fire Safety Inspection

Responsibility in Conducting a Fire Safety Inspection

1. Chemical foam – It is formed by mixing an alkali (usually sodium bicarbonate) with

PORTABLE AND WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHER (DIV. 6 CHAPTER 2 R.A.9514)

#-GALLOON OF WATER INSIDE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

b) CLASS B HAZARD (OTHER THAN FORE FIRES IN FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OF

#- FEET OR DISTANCE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

TYPE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Lesson 2.3. Fire Safety Construction

FIRE ENGINEERING- IS THE APPLICATION OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING

IN PHILIPPINES THERE IS NO FIRE ENGINEERING BUT THERE IS A FIRE SAFETY

THESE OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED BY A VARIETY OF MEANS INCLUDING SUCH

 The assessment of the hazards, risks of fire and its effects,

FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR

THEY ARE THE ONE WHO INSPECT ANY OF THE BUILDING

FIRE SAFETY DRILLS

BFP. LICENSED ENGINEER

NON UNIFORMED PERSONNEL

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