Fire Behavior and Arson Investigation

Theories of Combustion

1. Fire Triangle Theory

2. Fire Tetrahedron Theory
3. Life Cycle Theory

Elements of Fire Triangle

1. Heat - a form of energy measured in degree of temperature, the product of combustion that
caused the spread of fire
2. Fuel- Any substance/combustibles which reacts chemically with oxygen and produces flames.
fuel sources:
solid -molecules are closely packed together
liquid- molecules are loosely packed
Gas- molecules are free to move

3. Oxygen - a colorless and odorless gas and one of the composition of air that supports fire which
is approximately 21% by volume

Using the fire triangle theory, there are three ways of extinguishing a fire

1. Reduce the temperature ( cooling)

2. Cut-off the oxygen supply (
3. Remove the fuel

Elements of fire tetrahedron

1. Oxygen (oxidizing agent) – material/ substance yield oxygen or oxidizing gases during the
process of a chemical reaction
2. Fuel (reducing agent) - material or substance being burned in the combustion process
3. heat (temperature) - the energy component of the fire tetrahedron
4. self sustained chemical reaction (the 4th element) - a series of events that occur in sequence
with the results of each individual reaction being added to the rest

Combustion reaction/ process

- causes pyrolysis or vaporization of solid and liquid fuels and the production of ignitable gases
- provides the energy necessary for ignition
- causes the continuous production and ignition of fuel vapors or gases to continue the
combustion reaction

Common sources of heat

A. Types of energy
1. chemical energy - an energy released as a result of a chemical reaction such as combustion
 2. electrical energy – an energy developed when electrons flow through a conductor
3. nuclear energy – an energy generated when atoms either split apart or combine
4. mechanical energy - energy created by friction and compression
5. heat - an energy that is transferred between two objects of differing temperature such as
sun and the earth
6. lights - a visible radiation created at the atomic level such as flame produced during
combustion

combustion Or burning - is a complex sequence of exothermic chemical reactions between a fuel and an
oxidant accompanied by the production of heat or both heat and light in the form of either a glow or
flames, appearance of light flickering

pyrolysis - the chemical process whereby fire consumes the most solid part of the fuel. it is the thermal
decomposition of a solid fuel through the action of heat

the process of pyrolysis

1. the fuel is heated until its temperature reaches its fire point
2. decomposition takes place- moisture in the fuel is converted into vapor
3. decomposition produces combustible vapors that rise to the surface of the fuel. these
combustible vapors are technically termed as free radicals
4. free radicals undergo combustion if proper amount of oxygen is present

products of combustion

1. Fire gases - chemical composition of the fuel, percent of oxygen present, and the temperature of
the fire. Are those that remain when other products of combustion cool to normal temperature
- types of poisonous gases
 hydrogen sulfide - a fire gas formed during fires involving organic material containing sulfur
 hydrogen cyanide - a toxic fire gas found in oxygen starved fires involving nitrogen
containing material
 hydrogen chloride - a gas which can be fatal after only a few breaths, is produced in fires
involving chloride containing plastic
2. flame - the visible (light emitting) part of a fire. it is caused by a highly exothermic reaction
- types of flames –
 according to color and completeness of combustions
( luminous flame - reddish orange in color; it deposits soot because it is a product of
incomplete combustion
( non luminous flame - blueish in color; it does not deposit soot because it is a product of
complete combustion; it has a higher temperature than luminous flame
 according to burning fuel and air mixture
( premixed flame- example of a bunsen burner)
( diffusion flame - example of flame of the oxyacetylene torch / diffused dispersed; widely
spread)
 based on smoothness
( laminar flame- smooth flame; flame is laminar when a particle follows a smooth path
through a gaseous flame
 (turbulent flame- rough flame; those having unstead, regular swirls and eddies)
3. heat - a form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy; a form of
energy measured in degree of temperature, it is the product of combustion that spread the fire
4. Smoke - visible product of incomplete combustion, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and finely divided particles released from the burning material

PROPERTIES OF FIRE

A. Physical properties
1. specific gravity - the ratio of the weight of a solid or substance to the weight of an equal
volume of water; the ratio of the density of a given solid or liquid substance to the density of
water at a specific temperature and pressure
2. vapor density - the weight of a volume of pure gas compared to the weight of a volume of
dry air at the same temperature and pressure
3. vapor pressure - the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at
equilibrium
4. temperature -the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given
substance; the measure of the molecular activity within a substance
5. boiling point- the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to
the atmospheric pressure
6. ignition temperature Or kindling temperature - the minimum temperature at which the
substance in the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self-contained combustion
without the addition of heat from outside sources
7. firepoint - the temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning
8. flashpoint - the temperature at which material is not hot enough to keep burning, but still
gives us enough vapors to cause a flame to flash across the surface.
B. Chemical properties
1. endothermic reaction - changes were by energy, ( heat) is absorbed or is added before the
reaction takes place
2. exothermic reaction - reactions or changes that release or give off energy ( heat) that's they
produce substances with less energy than the reactants
3. Oxidation - chemical change in which combustible material (fuel) And oxidizing agent react
4. Combustion - the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas phase combustion

Vapor density

- The term used to explain the weight of vapors

Phases of Burning/ Three stages of fire

1. Incipient/beginning phase - the initial stage of fire

2. free burning phase - the second phase of burning in which materials or structures are burning in
the presence of adequate oxygen
 3. smoldering phase - the final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smoke and heat
completely filled the confined room

Backdarft

- Any action taking during the firefighting operations that allows air to mix with these hot gases
can result in an explosive ignition

flash over

- Occurs when a room or other area is heated enough that flames sweep over the entire surface
- The point in a fire at which other combustibles within the area ignite, changing the fire from 1
object on fire to many objects on fire

roll over

- the point at which gas is produced by pyrolysis ignites

- It involves only Any gases and is typified by a brief, Sudden ignition in the overhead area

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

A. based on cause
1. natural fire
2. accidental fire
3. intentional fire
B. based on burning fuel
1. Class A - materials involved vegetable fibers, wood, paper straw, grain, and grass
2. Class B - materials including petroleum products such as gasoline, fuel oils, lubricating oils,
add greases
3. Class C - involves electrical motors, electrical appliances and apparatus
4. class D- involving combustible metals, alloys, or metal compounds either in a solid, semi
solid or liquid state
5. class K - materials involved in the kitchen fires

CLASSIFICATION OD FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Class A Fire Extinguisher

2. Class B Fire Extinguisher
3. Class C Fire Extinguisher
4. Class d Fire Extinguisher
5. Class K Fire Extinguisher

spontaneous heating

- Spontaneous heating and spontaneous ignition as a result of a chemical reaction within the
material - A reaction is independent of any outside source of heat. spontaneous heating begins a
cycle of oxidation that builds up heat very slowly in its first stage. the condition that builds up
temperature high enough to cause ignition is called is spontaneous heating

Propagation of fire
 - simply means the spread of fire

types of heat transmission

1. conduction- the transmission of heat through an object/medium or conductor

2. radiation- the transmission through the discharge and spread of heat from a heated or burning
source
3. convection- transmission of heat by the moving currents of liquid or gas
4. flame contact- it may be conducted from one body to another by direct flame contact

intensity of fire

- simply means how hot the fire is burning

explosive limits

- the amount( expressed in percent) of fuel vapor is that can be mixed with air to form an
explosive or flammable mixture

magnitude of fire

- The size of a fire; governed by the surface area of fuel exposed to the air

Firepoint

- the temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning

ignition temperature

- the degree of heat necessary to ignite flammable vapors

oxidation

- oxidation takes place by using the oxygen that is present in the atmosphere. however in some
cases, certain chemical compounds known as oxidizing agents are involved

FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL, EXTINGUISHMENT AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

The proper selection of an agent or method of control or extinguishment is the most important factor in
determining the degree of a success of a firefighting operation.

fire suppression

- means slowing down the rate of burning

control
 - means keeping the fire from spreading/holding the fire to 1 area

extinguishment

- putting the fire completely out

FOUR METHODS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND HOW IT WORKS

1. cooling- process uses an extinguishing agent with primary characteristic is heat absorption
2. Smothering- excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that the gases are vapors of the fuel cannot
ignite and continue the combustion
3. Separation- the removal of the fuel
4. chemical chain reaction- the force method of extinguishment is known as inhibition or the
interruption of chemical reaction

EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

1. Water- used only on class A fires. water is the most effective in cooling the burning material
below its ignition temperature. it is the most commonly used agent in firefighting.
2. carbon dioxide- CO2- a number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent. it is
not combustible and non reactive with most substances
3. dry chemical- the dry chemical extinguishing agent in use today are mixtures of powders and
various additives that improve the storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders
( two basic types of dry chemical - ordinary and regular dry chemical, multi-purpose dry
chemical)
4. dry Powder - generally term for agents used to extinguish combustible metal fires
5. AFFF- Aqueous Film Forming Foam
6. Halons - hello generated agents

fire extinguishers

- it is a mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for
stopping fires (particularly small fires) before it propagates and is capable of being readily
moved from place to place

Information indicated on the extinguisher

1. date of original filling

2. chemical contents
3. type of extinguisher
4. operating instruction and safety procedure in usage
 5. name and address of the manufacturer
6. name and address of the dealers

Steps in using portable fire extinguishers

1. pull the pin

2. aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames
3. squeeze trigger while holding the exstinguisher upright
4. sweep the extinguisher nozzle from side to side

Damage extinguishers

- leaked, corroded, or otherwise damaged extinguisher shells or cylinders should be discarded or

returned to the manufacturer for repair CAUTION; never try to repair the shell or cylinder
subjected to pressure
- if an extinguisher shows slight damage or corrosion and it is questionable whether it is safe to
use, it should be given a hydrostatic test by the manufacturer or a qualified testing agency.
leaking hose, leaking gaskets, nozzles, can be replaced by fire brigade personnel

Testing extinguishers

1. service test- I service test of an extinguisher is an operational test of the extinguisher to see to it
that it is operating properly. this test is normally conducted at least once a year during the
scheduled maintenance cycle
2. hydrostatic test- hydrostatic test is an internal pressure check of an extinguisher cylender or
shell to detect possible failure under pressure. Normally, during the testing the cylinder or shell
is filled with water ( hydro). The test should be conducted immediately upon discovery of any
indication of mechanical injury or corrosion to those extinguishers which exert internal pressure.
When an extinguisher fails a hydrostatic test, it must be destroyed. Yeah

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

Hazard classification

In the year 1976, EU S Department of Defense used a hazard classification and identification
system all its own for explosives and other dangerous materials.

After many years of study, the Department of Defense implemented the present classification
system based on a system recommended for international use by the United nations organization

UNO CLASSES OF DANGEROUS MATERIALS

Class 1 Explosives

Class 2 Gases: Compressed, liquified, or dissolved under pressure

Class 3 Flammable Liquids

Class 4 Flammable Solids

Class 5 Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Class 6 Poisonous (toxic) Infectious Substances

Class 7 Radioactive Substance

Class 8 Corrosives

Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances

PRINCIPLES OF STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING

Structural firefighting
 • Initial Procedures ( Sounding the Alarms, Give exact location of fire, info regarding
type of fire
• Fire fighting Procedures ( Size up, Attack, ventilation, exposures, extinguishment,
rescue, overhaul, salvage
Strategy used in firefighting
1. Locate the fire
2. Confine the fire
3. Extinguishing fire
4. Exposures
In addition to the basic tactics the following are also added;
1. Rescue
2. overhaul
3. Ventilation
4. Salvage
Factors to be considered in extinguishment
1. Time of the day
 the hour of the day can have a direct bearing on the life and fire hazards involved
 Time also has a direct bearing on the speed of the response of firefighting and rescue
vehicles
 during hours of darkness special lighting equipment may be needed. night operations
may require auxiliary firefighting personnel
2. Weather
 Temperature
 Humidity
 wind and precipitation
3. the fire
 extent of the fire
 its location in the building
 what type of content involved
 the life hazards
 the fire conditions
 type of construction

occupancy
- better mean the number of people that occupy the building including the materials that
are found in it. also note the nature of the units occupying the building.
Ventilation
 - It is a method used for clearing the building of smoke and gases, localize the fire, and
reduce smoke and forcible entry damage
TYPES OF VENTILATION
1. vertical ventilation - the method established vertical ventilation is it must be worked from
the top and down.
2. Cross or horizontal ventilation - if the smoke and gases have not reached the higher
levels, cross ventalation can clear the building one floor at a time. windows are the
easiest and generally most available for the common types of buildings, but the
indiscriminate opening of windows and doors can defeat the purpose of ventilation.
3. mechanical or forced ventilation- a process or method of ventilation whereby a device
such as smoke ejector is utilized to remove faster excessive heat and dense smoke in a
confined building
FACTORS TO THAT TERM IN THE LOCATION FOR THE OPENING OF VENTILATION
1. Location of intensity of fire
2. highest point on the roof
3. direction of wind
4. existing exposure
5. extent of fire
6. obstruction
ADVANTAGES OF VENTILATION
1. Aids Rescue operations
2. Speeds attack and extinguishment
3. reduces property damages
4. reduces mushrooming
exposures
- it is an action taken by the firefighters to cover or secure other buildings, people from
exposing themselves near the affected area or danger from fire
TYPES OF EXPOSURES
1. Fire exposures- refers to the property exposed to the fire such as property directly across
alleys or besides the fire building
2. life exposures- refers to the danger to the lives of the occupants of any building that is in
line with the travel of dangerous fumes or gases thrown off by fire as well as to the
occupants of any building that is seriously exposed to the fire from the building on fire
rescue
- any action taken by the firefighters to remove occupants/persons from a burning
building/hazards to a safety place.
HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOLS - Are used by emergency rescue personnel to assist vehicle
extrication of crash victims, as well as other rescues from small spaces.
1. Cutter- hydraulic tool which is designed to cut through metal
2. Spreader- Hydraulic tool designed with two arms which have a narrow tip. to keep up the
two can be inserted into a narrow gap between two vehicle panels (such as between two
doors or between a door and a Fender)- when the tool is operated, the arms are opened,
drawing apart the metal in the panels
3. hose jacket – hallow cylindrical or barrel shaped device that opens lengthwise through
the center on a set of hinges
4. universal thread adapter- universal thread adapter is a very useful tool on any fire vehicle.
he can make a very quick connection to damaged or unusual size male hose connections
5. Spanner wrench- is used to tighten leaking connections and loosen connections that are
too tight to break with hands alone
6. Rope- safety line used for hoisting tools for various floors of structure and use for
anchoring to stationary objects, Ladders, charge hose lines And other accessories
7. hose strap- 36 inch length of glass dropped with a handle on one end and hook on the
other

Breathing apparatus - a device that provides the user with an additional supply of air or breathing
Protection

LADDER OPERATIONS

Type of ladders
1. ground ladders
2. aerial ladders
FORMS OF GROUND LADDERS
1. wall
2. extension ladder
3. hook ladder -
4. attic ladder
Bed ladder –the lowest section of an extension ladder
Fly ladder – the top section of an extension ladder
Butt – the bottom end of ladder
Heel - the part of the ladder that touches the ground
Halyard – a rope or cable used to raise the fly ladder
Pawl or dog – the mechanism located at the end of the fly ladder that locks do the bed ladder
Rung- the cross member of a ladder that is used for climbing
top or tip – it is the top part of a ladder
Hooks – part of a ladder that is used to look over a roof peak, sills, or walls where the heel does
not rest on a foundation ( found only roof type ladders )
Stops – made of metal or would blocks used to prevent the fly of an extension ladder from
extending out further from the ladder
Guides – light metal strips of an extension ladder that guides the fly ladder while it is being
raised or lowered

Type of ladder carries

1. one man carry
2. two man carry
3. 4 man carry
4. six man carry

POST EXTINGUISHMENT PROCEDURES

Salvage and overhaul operations
salvage work in firefighting is preventing excessive damage caused by fire, smoke, and
water. keeping a fire loss at a minimum requires and knowledge of salvage operations and ability
to improvise or make do as the need arises.

two ways of performing salvage

1. remove the material outside the building involved in a fire or to an area that is not
involved in the fire. this method is used when there is sufficient time and when there is
enough manpower to carry out the job, or when there is only a small amount of material
to be carried outside or to protect
2. protect the material where it stands. this method is used when the size or the quantity of
the contents of the building that dictates.
factors involved in salvage work
- the amount of salvage equipment available
- the personnel available
 - the type and amount of material involved
- the method of storage

STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Before the search for hidden fires, the condition of the building in the area to be searched
should be known. the intensity of the fire during the burning and amount of water used in its
control are the most important factors that affect the condition of the building.
The amount of water used that remains the additional weight on the floors and the walls
because of their absorbent qualities. Considering these two factors carefully can prevent
unnecessary loss of life during overhaul because of building collapse.

PRESERVING EVIDENCE AND BUILDING CLEANUP

Fires of intentional region can be caused, responded to and extinguished without anyone
noticing, reporting or investigating. fire department personnel must be able to recognize the
evidence that is sometimes quite pronounced during and immediately after the fires. Arson is a
peculiar crime because there are usually no complaining witnesses to it.
Steps In preserving evidence
1. protecting and preserving evidence
2. guarding evidence
3. identifying and removing evidence

BUILDING CLEANUP
After a fire is extinguished, water and debris will remain. it is the responsibility of the
Fire Protection personnel to remove in them.

BUILDING CODE AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Building code
- a standard rules for safety in the construction of buildings
Building code requirements
- intended occupancy and use
- life safety fixed Fire Protection system
- spacing on structures
 - height requirements
- fire retarding pictures

FIRE INVESTIGATION

Cause- that which made the fire start

Reason - that which led to the cause of a fire ( a motive leading to the action)

FOR GENERAL CLASSES OF FIRE CAUSES

Natural fire- fire caused naturally without human intervention or aid
accidental fire- fire causes where human action is involved directly or indirectly
Arson- fire cause as a result of the willful and criminal action of some person
unknown fire- fires which are not classified as to cause

THREE GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

Innocent fire- natural and accidental causes
incendiary fire- arson cases
unknown fire- fire of unknown causes

persons responsible to examine and inspect the fire scene

1. fire Marshall
2. Fire Chief
3. assistant chief for technical service
4. fire inspector responsible for the specific building
5. senior fire officer at the fire scene
6. photographer
7. utilities personal (electrician)

Evidence Kit
- provides equipment for use in the investigation and for the preservation of any evidence
found at the scene after that evidence has been photographed in its original location
basic steps in fire scene examination
1. search systematically
2. observed
3. take photograph
4. work by the process of elimination
5. check and verify
6. take note
7. draw diagrams
Areas to conduct fire investigation
1. exterior
- to determine where the fire vested first by comparing burn char, smoke, and heat patterns
around windows doors and roof
2. interior
- and a cursory examination or a general survey of the entire structure of interior for the
extent of fire damage
3. Debris
- examine the fire debris and the floor
4. furnishings
- examine fire damage furnishing such as; upholstered furniture couches, chairs, beds
types of fire/Arson Investigation
basic investigation
purposes;
1. to determine what property was damaged
2. what the causes and reasons were
3. the number and extent of injuries or fatalities
4. the recommended corrective actions to prevent recurrence
technical investigation - it is an in-depth investigation to determine more specific details of the
cause and effects and to stablish necessary corrective action

reasons in conducting technical investigation

1. there is suspicion of arson in connection with any fire
2. if there is suspicion of negligence or violation of regulations
3. the cause of any fire is undetermined
4. there is evidence of negligence or mismanagement in the fire suppression for rescue
operation
5. loss of life or disabling as a result of fire
Arson investigation- the direct result of the basic or technical investigation or it may be brought
about from outside knowledge
Character Traits of qualified arson investigator
1. he should possess knowledge of investigative techniques
2. he should have an insight of human behavior
3. he should have a first hand knowledge of the chemistry of fire and its behavior
4. he should be resourceful