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 NATURE OF FIRES

The lesson introduces the learners to the

basic natures of fires. This lesson will help the
students’ understanding on the importance
of fire on our everyday lives, as well as its
role in the natural changes that occurs in
Earth’s ecosystem.
 NATURE OF FIRES
Understanding Fires
● The Philippines continues to experience disastrous fires, often marking
some of the worst fire incidents in history.
 NATURE OF FIRES

FROM 2013 to 2017, the BFP recorded a total of 77,724 fire incidents, or an
average of 15,545 fire incidents every year or 42 fire incidents a day. During the
period, the total estimated damage to property reached P23.273 billion or an
average of P4.65 billion every year.
 NATURE OF FIRES
Also during the period, 1,257 people
were killed or an average of 251 deaths
every year. The number of injured
persons during the five-year period
reached 4,239, or an average of 848
persons suffering from fire-related injuries OZONE DISCO TRAGEDY SURVIVOR
that could have been avoided. Courtesy: Esquire Magazine Philippines
 NATURE OF FIRES

According to the BFP, the top three causes of fires are electrical
connection, lighted cigarette butt and open flame. Fire originating from
electrical connections may either be triggered by electrical overload, or
electrical short circuit.
 NATURE OF FIRES
Lighted cigarette butts that caused fires are those usually indiscriminately
thrown away by cigarette smokers, accidentally touching flammable
material that starts a fire. Fires caused by open flames can either be
triggered by torch, candle or burning gas stove left unattended. The top
three fire occurrences recorded hit residential areas, industrial and
mercantile or commercial buildings.
NATURE OF FIRES
FIRE IS FAST
There is little time! In less than 30 seconds, a small
flame can get completely out of control and turn into
a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke
to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in
flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are
asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time
to grab valuables, because fire spreads too quickly,
and the smoke is too thick. There is only limited time to
escape.
 NATURE OF FIRES
FIRE IS HOT
Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire's heat alone can kill. Room
temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600
degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs. This
heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes, a room can get so hot
that everything in it ignites at once; this is called flashover.
NATURE OF FIRES
Fire is Dark

Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black. Fire starts

bright, but quickly produces black smoke
and complete darkness. If you wake up to
a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented, and
unable to find your way around the home
you've lived in for years.
NATURE OF FIRES
Fire is Deadly

Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames

do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces
smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even
small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make
you drowsy, disoriented, and short of breath. The
odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep
sleep before the flames reach your door. You may
not wake up in time to escape.