Fire Fighting Equipment and Extinguishing Agents: Study Guide For Module No.

FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev.
0 10-July-2020
Study Guide in CDI106 – Fire Technology and Arson Investigation Module No. 3
STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. ___

3
Fire Fighting Equipment and Extinguishing Agents

MODULE OVERVIEW
You do not need to be 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 it’s in a very early stage. Thus, the most effective
combination is: Early Detection and Quick Reaction. Beyond these parameters, it would be more difficult, and
downright dangerous to put out fire. So, if you are not equipped, and the fire you are trying to put out is
already in its an advanced stage, your only safe choice is to evacuate yourself, and everyone else in the
house, as quickly as possible (Abayagar, 2000).
Firefighting is an activity intended to save lives and property. It is one of the most important
emergency services in a community. Fire fighters battle fires that break out in homes, factories, office
buildings, shops, and other places. Fire fighters risk their lives to save people and protect property from fires.
The people who work as fire fighters also help others who are involved in many kinds of emergencies besides
fires. For example, fire fighters rescue people who may be trapped in cars or vehicles after an accident. They
aid victims of such disasters as typhoons, floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Before the advent of modern
firefighting techniques, fires often destroyed whole settlements. When a fire broke out, the people in the
community rushed to the scene to help. Today, firefighting organizations in most industrialized nations have
well-trained men and women and a variety of modern firefighting equipment.
This module represents the different firefighting equipment and fire extinguishing agents that are
essential in firefighting operations. It is imperative for the learner to understand the functions and uses of
firefighting equipment and extinguishing agents to know their proper usage. Further, fire safety inspection and
construction are also added in this module.
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Identify and explain the use of the different firefighting equipment of a fire department.
2. Determine and types and parts of fire ladder.
3. Distinguish the classifications of fire extinguishing system.
4. Identify and explain the types of water fire extinguishers.
5. Identify and explain the types of extinguishing agents.
6. Determine the process and purpose of fire safety inspection and construction.
LEARNING CONTENTS (title of the subsection)
3.1. Fire Fighting Equipment
State-of-the-art firefighting equipment is imperative in combating and suppressing any fire incidents.
Without which, firefighters would be handicapped in performing their primary role in protecting the lives and
properties of the people they serve.
Fire Fighting Equipment
The most important equipment for fire fighters includes:

1. Communication Systems - They are necessary to alert fire fighters to the outbreak of a fire.
Most fire alarms are telephoned to the fire department. Many countries have introduced a simple,
3-digit number as the telephone number to call in emergencies. This number can be dialed from
almost any telephone and from most pay phones without a coin. Dialing this number is free.
2. Fire Vehicles/Trucks
The term “fire truck” usually means any other type of truck used to carry equipment or people to a
PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1

FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020
fire or emergency. When a firefighter says “truck” though, they usually mean a “hook and ladder” or “aerial
ladder” truck.
Fire fighters have several types of fire vehicles. The main types are (1) engines, (2) ladder
trucks/appliances, (3) rescue vehicles and (4) aerial ladder trucks.
1. Engines, also called water tenders, have a large pump that takes water from a fire hydrant or other
source. The pump boosts the pressure of the water and forces it through hoses. Engines carry several sizes
of hoses and nozzles. Many also have a small-diameter hose called a booster line, which is wound on a reel.
The booster line is used chiefly to put out small outdoor fires.
 A truck that pumps water to the fire is called a “fire engine” or a “pumper”. Today, most fire
engines also carry hose in a large storage area in the rear of the truck.
 Fire engines have a large pump that takes water from a small fire hydrant or other source. The pump
boosts the pressure of the water and forces it through hoses.
Q: What's the difference between Fire Trucks and Fire Engines?

A: Fire trucks are equipped with very large ladders that extend from the truck but do not come off.
Key components of a fire truck include:
Hydraulically operated (aerial) ladder
Full complement of ground ladders of various types and lengths
Specialized equipment for forcible entry, ventilation, and search and rescue tasks
Fire Truck
Fire engines, or pumpers, carry hose, tools, and pump water. The engine can also carry ladders,
but they are set up by the fire fighters and can be carried around. Key components of a fire engine
include:
Water tank (usually 500-750 gallons)
Pump (approximately 1500 GPM)
Complement of various types of hose (for both attack and supply)
2. Ladder truck/appliances - There are two kinds of ladder appliances--turntable ladders and
hydraulic platforms.

A turntable ladder appliance has a metal extension ladder mounted on a turntable. The ladder can be
raised as high as 30 meters, or about eight storeys.
A hydraulic platform truck has a cage-like platform that can hold several people. The platform is
attached to a lifting device that is mounted on a turntable. The lifting device consists of either a hinged boom
(long metal arm) or an extendable boom made of several sections that fit inside each other. The boom on the
largest vehicles can extend 46 meters. A built-in hose runs the length of the boom and is used to direct water
on a fire. In most cases, a pump in a nearby engine generates the pressure needed to spray the water.
Ladder Trucks
There are two kinds of ladder trucks –

1. Aerial ladder trucks - An aerial ladder truck has a metal extension ladder mounted on a turntable. The
ladder can be raised as high as 100 feet (30 meters), or about eight stories.
2. Elevating platform trucks. An elevating-platform truck has a cage like platform that can hold several
people. The platform is attached to a lifting device that is mounted on a turntable.
Types of Fire Trucks

Fire Engine

Hydraulic Platform Truck
Aerial ladder trucks

Elevating Platform Trucks (Articulating Boom)
Ladder
A ladder is a portable piece of equipment with rungs attached to sides made of metal, wood, or rope,
used for climbing up or down (Microsoft Encarta Dictionary, 2002).
Types of Ladders
All the various types of ladders have a purpose. Some of them, however, are more adaptable to a
specific function than to general purpose.
1. Single or Straight Ladder. A type of ladder that is non-adjustable in length and consists only of one
section; sometimes called a wall ladder, used for quick access to windows and roofs of one and two-story
buildings. (12’, 14’, 16’, 18’, and 24’)
2. Extension Ladder. A type of ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more section, which
travels in guides or brackets to permit length adjustment. It provides access in windows and roofs within the
limits of extendable length.
3. Roof Ladders. These are single ladders equipped with folding hooks at the top end which provides means
to anchor the ladder over the roof ridge or other roof parts. Roof ladders are generally used to lie flat on the
roof surface, so that firefighters may stand on the ladder for roof work and the ladder will distribute their
weights and help prevent slipping.
4. Folding Ladders. These are single ladders that have hinges rungs, allowing them to be folded up so that
one beam rests against the other. It provides a means of reaching through opening into attics and lofts and
other areas which are somewhat difficult to reach without a special ladder. Constructed so that they can be
folded or collapsed for small or closet work, folding ladders are usually short in length since they only required
reaching a short distance.
5. Aerial Ladder. It is a power operated metal ladder mounted on a specially build chassis. The aerial ladder
is hydraulically powered and may be mounted on a single chassis or three-axle tractor drawn vehicle. It
consists of a continuous walkway for the purpose of fire and rescue operations and ranges in lengths of 65-
135 feet (20-41 meters). The most modern of this type is made by Colla Spa in Italy now being operated by
Madrid Fire Department, Spain with maximum reach of 72 meters.
6. Tower Ladders. It combines some features of both aerial ladder equipment and elevating platforms. A
telescoping boom has a ladder mounted on it, but the top working area is a partially enclosed platform.
Various ground ladders are also carried.
7. Elevating Platforms. Although elevating platforms are not considered to be ladders, some elevating

platform apparatus carry ground ladders. This apparatus has some features, which is similar to aerial ladders,
but they are primarily a portable elevator controlled by an operator.
8. Pompier Ladders. It consists of a large gooseneck hook at the tip, with a single bed through which the
rungs project. At one time the pompier ladder was used by firefighters to reach the upper stories of tall
buildings, beyond the reach of ground or aerial ladders but their use has diminished greatly.
9. Pole Ladders. These are extension ladders that have stay poles for added stability. The lengths vary from
35-65 feet (11-20 meters). They are of truss construction and have one up to three fly sections.
10. Combination Ladders. These are designed so that they may be used as single extension or “A” frame
ladder. Lengths of this type of ladder vary from 8-14 feet (2-4.3 meters).
11. Articulating Aerial Tower. It is an apparatus consisting of two or more boom sections within enclosed
platform attached to the top of the boom. The platform provides a stable base to carry out both fire and rescue
operations. They are equipped with built in piping and nozzles to provide elevated streams and ranges in
lengths from 50-150 feet (15-46 meters).
Types of ladders Extension Ladder Roof Ladders Folding

Single or Straight Ladder Ladders
Aerial Ladder Tower Ladders Combination Pompier

Ladders Ladders

Pole Ladders
Parts of an Extension Ladder
1. Base Section/Bed Section/Main Section. It refers to the lower section of an extension ladder.
2. Beam. It refers to the side 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. These are wood or metal strips on an extension ladder which guide the fly section while being
raised.
6. Halyard. A rope used for hoisting (raising) fly sections.
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. These are metal safety plates attached to the heel of a ground ladder to stabilize the ladder
and protect the beam.
10. Hooks. A curved, sharp metal device (two in number) which folds outward from each beam at the top end
of a roof ladder.
11. Protective Plates. These are plates fastened to a ladder designed to prevent wear at point where it meets
mounting brackets.
12. Pulley. A 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
blocks.
14. Rungs. These are cross members (usually round) between the beams on which people climb.
15. Safety Shoes or 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 poles.
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. These are wood 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.
Fire Fighting Vehicles - are equipped with portable ladders of various types and sizes. They also carry
forcible entry tools, which fire fighters use to enter a building and to ventilate it to let out smoke. Common
forcible entry tools include axes, power saws, and sledgehammers.
Rescue Vehicles are enclosed vehicles equipped with many of the same kinds of forcible entry tools that
ladder appliances carry. But rescue vehicles also carry additional equipment for unusual rescues. They have
such tools as oxyacetylene torches, for cutting through metal, and hydraulic jacks, for lifting heavy objects.
They may also carry other hydraulic tools. With a hydraulic rescue tool, fire fighters can apply a large amount
of pressure to two objects to squeeze them together or pries them apart. The tool is often used to free people
trapped in cars and other vehicles after an accident. Many rescue vehicles also carry small hand tools, such
as crowbars and saws, and ropes and harnesses for rescuing people from water or high places. In addition,
they carry medical supplies and equipment.
3. Special Fire Vehicles include airport crash tenders and hazardous materials units. Airport crash
tenders are engines that spray foam or dry chemicals on burning aircraft. Water is ineffective against many
aircraft fires, such as those that involve jet fuel or certain metals.
In addition to the above firefighting equipment, fire fighters are also required to use protective
clothing.
4. 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.
They wear coats and trousers made of fire-resistant material. Other clothing includes special boots, gloves,
and helmets. Fire fighters also use a breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling smoke and toxic gases.
Fire Hose
A fire hose is a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source of
supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire (P.S.B.R.C.).
Parts of a Fire Hose

1. Hose Hoist. It is a device over which rope or hose may be pulled to hoist or lower equipment when
firefighters are operating in buildings 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
is used to replace a burst section of hose, to extend lines, or to hold water back for line advancement without
shutting off the source of 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 cocks, pry, and hammer.
5. Fire Hose Ramps and Bridges. It protects hose from injuries from vehicles crossing hose lines.
Firefighters at the nozzles will receive sudden jerks each time a wheel cuts off the water momentarily.
6. Nozzle. A piece of firefighting equipment used to direct and control a stream of water. The characteristics
of the stream of water or fire stream are determined mainly by the nozzle.
Parts of Fire Hose

Hose Hoist Hose Jacket Fire Hose Ramps and
Bridges
Hose Clamp Hose Spanner Wrench
Nozzle

3.2. Fire Extinguisher
The Fire Extinguishments Theory

The Fire Extinguishments Theory maintains that “to extinguish a fire, interrupt or eliminate the
supply of any or all of the elements of fire.” Fire can be extinguished by a) reducing/ lowering the
temperature, b) eliminating the fuel supply, or c) by stopping the chemical chain reaction.
4 General Methods of Fire Extinguishment

1. Extinguishment by Temperature Reduction
• Cooling the temperature of the fire environment is usually done by using water.
• Lower the temperature to cool the fuel to a point where it does not produce sufficient vapors that burn.
2. Extinguishment by Fuel Removal

• Elimination of the fuel supply/ source which may be done by:
a. stopping the flow of liquid fuel
b. preventing the production of flammable gas
c. removing the solid fuel at the fire path
d. allowing the fire to burn until the fuel is consumed.
3. Extinguishment by Oxygen Dilution

a. reduction of oxygen concentration at the burning area
b. by introducing inert gases
c. by separating oxygen from the fuel
4. Extinguishment by Chemical Inhibition

• Some extinguishments agents, like dry chemical and halon, interrupt the production of flame resulting to
rapid extinguishment of the fire. This method is effective only on burning gas and liquid fuels as they
cannot burn in smoldering mode of combustion.
Fire Extinguishers
A Fire Extinguisher is a mechanical device, usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or
gasses for stopping fires, the means for application of its contents for the purpose of putting out fire
(particularly small fire) before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to place.
It is also a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.
Classification of Fire Extinguishers

The following are the classification of Fire Extinguishers (Aguado, 2000)
A. Portable Fire Extinguishers. These types of fire extinguishers can be carried to the fire area for a fast and
first attack. However, they can contain a limited supply of extinguishing agent and should be used only in early
stages of fire before the fire grows to a stage that is beyond the capacity of the extinguisher. The agent is
quickly expelled from the extinguisher; in most cases, continuous application can be sustained for only a
minute or less.

Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers

1. Water Fire Extinguishers. These are extinguishers that use water or a water solution as the extinguishing
agent. A water-based extinguisher also referred to as a Stored Pressure Air-Water fire extinguisher is an
extinguisher that is filled with water which is stored under pressure (normally by air). These extinguishers are
only appropriate for use on Class A fires.
A water extinguisher operates when water, stored under pressure and contained within the
extinguisher container is expelled after the valve, operated by a hand-held trigger is depressed.
Types of Water Extinguishers
a. Cartridge-Operated Water Extinguisher. Cartridge operated units are preferred in the construction and
heavy equipment industries for the following reasons:
• heavy duty construction, simple design reduces possibility of failure and better suited for harsh
environments.
b. Pin-Type Cartridge-Operated Extinguisher.
c. Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher. It is the most used portable firefighting tool.
d. Pump-Tank Extinguisher. The simplest type of water extinguisher. Do not store water under pressure, but
instead expel it through use of a hand-operated, double-acting, vertical piston pump.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher. These are used primarily on class B and class C fires. The range
varies between 3 – 8 feet and the duration between 8 – 30 seconds depending on the size. The principal
advantage of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers is that the agent does not leave a residue after use.
This can be a significant factor where protection is needed for delicate and costly electronic equipment. Other
typical applications are food preparation areas, laboratories, and printing or duplicating areas.
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher (Ordinary Dry Chemical or Multi-purpose Dry Chemical). It is available in
several sizes, with any of five different extinguishing agents. All have at least a 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). It has a range of 6 – 8 feet. The extinguishing agent is sodium chloride, which forms a crust on the
burning metal.
5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers. Wet chemical extinguishers are used for cooking oil fires, or more
specifically deep fat fryer fires (Class F), for example deep fat fryer fires. This type of fire is different from
other categories because water, foam, powder and even CO2 extinguishers will aggravate an oil fire rather
than extinguish it. In addition, some wet chemical extinguishers can tackle Class A fires (wood, paper etc) and
Class B fires (eg petrol).
6. AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foams) Foam Fire Extinguishers have a cream label and are highly
effective on class A and class B fires (the foam agent helps to prevent re-ignition). If foam extinguishers have
been dielectrically tested they can be used on electrical appliances.
7. Halon Extinguishers. Is often used to protect valuable electrical equipment.

a. Halon 1211 (Bromochlorodifluoromethane). Halon 1211 is more effective than CO2; it leaves no residue
and is virtually non-corrosive. However, it can be toxic, and its vapors should not be inhaled.
b. Halon 1301 (Bromotrifluoromethane). It has a horizontal range of 4 – 6 feet and the discharge time is 8
– 10 seconds.

B. Semi-Portable Fire Extinguishers. Semi-portable extinguishers are one from which a 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.
A semi-portable system provides a way of getting a sizable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire
rapidly. This allows the operator to make a sustained attack. However, a semi-portable system is also a semi
fixed system. One disadvantage is that the protected are limited by the length of hose connected into the
system.
Types of Semi-Portable Fire Extinguishers

1. Carbon Dioxide Hose – Reel System. It is employed in engine rooms and in spaces containing electrical
equipment. The system consists of one or two CO2 cylinders, a 1.27 cm diameter hose that is 50 – 75 feet in
length.
2. Dry Chemical Hose System. It consists of a storage tank containing the agent; pressurized cylinders
containing nitrogen gas, a rubber hose, and a nozzle with a control valve. Nitrogen is used as the propellant
for the dry chemical. System employing sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate or potassium chloride
can be located where class B and Class C fires may be expected.
3. Halon Hose – Reel System. This system is very similar to the carbon dioxide system and is employed to
combat class B and class C fires. Most semi-portable systems use Halon 1301. The system consists of one
or two pressurized cylinders containing the extinguishing agent, a hose line and nozzle with an “On and Off”
control valve.

C. Fixed Fire – Extinguishing System. Most of the components of this system are fixed in place.
Water Sprinkler System. They are generally used to protect living quarters, adjacent and
passageways. The system may extinguish fire in these places. However, their primary function is to protect
the building structure, limit the spread of fire and control the amount of heat produced. They also protect the
people in these areas and maintain escape routes.
What are the types of Fire Extinguishers?

1. Water Fire Extinguisher – extinguisher filled with water use of fight Class A and Class B fires except class C
fires.
2. Liquefied Fire Extinguisher – those extinguishers that contain Carbon Monoxide Gas use to fight class A, B,
and C fires
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher – those that contain chemical powder intended to fight all classes of fires.
4. Foam Extinguisher– contains sodium bicarbonate and a foam-stabilizing agent in a larger compartment and
a solution of aluminum sulfate in an inner cylinder; reaction between the two solutions forms a stabilized foam
of carbon dioxide bubbles.
5. Soda-acid Fire Extinguisher – filled with sodium bicarbonate mixed with water; a small bottle of sulfuric acid
is suspended inside (near the top) in such a way that when the extinguisher is turned up-side-down, the acid
mixes with sodium bicarbonate; carbon dioxide is formed by the reaction which results to the building of
pressure inside the extinguisher; this pressure forces the water solution out from the container through a
hose.
6. Vaporizing Liquid Fire Extinguisher – contains non-conducting liquid, generalization carbon tetrachloride or
chlorobromethane; operation is by manual pumping or using a stored pressure; the stream of liquid that is
expelled is vaporized by the heat of the fire and forms a smothering blanket. This type is usually used in fires
involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
7. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher – effective against burning liquids and fires in live electrical equipment;
used mainly to put out Class C fires.
Markings Required on Fire Extinguishers

All fire extinguishers manufactured or sold in the Philippines shall be labeled or marked to show at
least the following: (Sec. 37, PD 1185)
1. Date of original filling to be permanently stamped on the body near the valve/control assembly.
2. Chemical contents
3. Type of extinguisher – its use
4. Operating instruction
5. Safe procedure in usage
6. Name and address of the manufacturer
7. Name and address of the dealer
What are the prohibited types of fire extinguishers?
Rule 37, Sec. 104 of IRR of PD 1185 provides that the following types of fires extinguishers are
prohibited for manufacture or sale:
1. All inverting types which make it necessary to invert the container before the extinguisher’s operation.
2. Soda-acid extinguishers
3. Stored pressure or cartridge operated foam solution, unless and air-aspiring nozzle is provided.
4. Vaporizing liquid extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane in any
concentration of formulation
5. Vaporizing liquid extinguishers of less than one-kilogram extinguishing agent
6. Glass bulb, “grenade” type, or “bomb” type of vaporizing liquid extinguishers which must be thrown to
the fire or are mounted on specific location and which operate upon the melting of a fusible link.
7. Thermatic special hazards single station extinguishers with extinguishing capability of less than four
and a half (4.5) cubic meters
8. Other types which maybe hereinafter prohibited.
What are the prohibited acts involving the operation of fire extinguishers?
From the same legal basis above, the following are declared prohibited acts concerning the use of fire
extinguishers:

1. Removal of inspection tags attached to fire extinguishers.

2. Refilling a discharge extinguisher with a extinguishing agent other than what the unit was designed to
contain
3. Selling fire extinguishers not appropriate to the hazard
4. Selling fire extinguishers prohibited by Rule 37, Section 104
5. Selling defective or substandard extinguishers
6. Using/installing two or more thermatic special hazard vaporizing liquid units in rooms with volume
greater than the nominal capability of one unit.
7. Installing pressure gauges in fire extinguishers which do not indicate the actual pressure of the interior
of vessel such as, but not limited to use of uncalibrated gauges, not providing or blocking the
connection between the gauge and the interior or fixing the indicator/needle to indicate a certain
pressure.
What are the General Operating Procedures in Fire Extinguishment?

The general operating procedures in using a fire extinguisher may be modified by the acronym PASS.
P - Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being pressed. Press the
plastic or thin wire inspection band.
A– Aim the nozzle or outlet towards the fire. Some hose assemblies are dipped to the extinguisher
body. Released it and then point at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the handle above carrying handle to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. The
handle can be released to stop the discharge at any time.
S – Sweep the nozzle sideways at the base of the flame to disperse the extinguishing agent.
After the fire is out, probe for remaining smoldering hot spots or possible re-flash of flammable liquids. Make
sure the fire is out before leaving the burned area.
Importance of the Sprinkler System

Why is the sprinkler system so important? 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 cause the
water in the system to flow, inundating the burning area, thus putting out the fire. (Abaygar, 2000).
When installing a fire sprinkler system there are three general types, wet-pipe, dry-pipe, and pre-
action. A wet-pipe system contains water under pressure at all times and utilizes closed sprinkler heads. A
dry-pipe system is used in areas where temperatures drop to less than forty degrees Fahrenheit, contains no
water in the above ground piping prior to system activation, and is charged with air under pressure. The pre-
action system, similar to the dry-pipe, is charged with air under pressure.

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System
The Ideal Safety Tandem: Sprinkler System and Smoke Detector

Ideally, an effective combination would be to have an automatic fire detection system operating in
tandem with the sprinkler suppression system. As the fire starts, and begins generating smoke, the smoke
detection system will activate way ahead of the sprinkler system, warning the residents, and triggering a local
fire department that will put out the fire, perhaps without the need for the sprinkler system to go into action. On
the other hand, if nothing is immediately done and the fire gets bigger, the sprinkler system activates and
eventually douses the fire. One system detects; the other extinguishes the fire.
Importance of Smoke Detectors

Most fatal home fires happen at night when people are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of
smoke may not wake a sleeping person. The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the
senses and put you into a deeper sleep. Inexpensive household smoke detectors sound an alarm, alerting
you to a fire. By giving you time to escape, smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half.
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1, 2 and 3
Learning Activity 1: Fire Fighting Equipment

➢ Do and submit activities as instructed by the instructor.

Learning Activity2: Fire Extinguisher

LEARNING CONTENTS (title of the subsection)
3.3. Extinguishing Agents
Extinguishing agent is a substance that will put out a fire. Every extinguishing agent operates by attacking
on or more sides of the fire tetrahedron. The specific actions involved are cooling, smothering, oxygen
dilution, and chain breaking. (Aguado, 2000).
 Cooling: to reduce the temperature. This is a direct attack on the heat side of the fire tetrahedron.
 Smothering: to separate the fuel from oxygen. This can be considered as an attack on the edge of
the fire tetrahedron where the fuel and oxygen meet (Aguado, 2000).
 Oxygen dilution: to reduce the amount of available oxygen needed to sustain combustion. This is an
attack on the oxygen side of the tetrahedron.
 Chain breaking: to disrupt the chemical process that sustains the fire (the chain reaction side of the
tetrahedron) (Aguado, 2000).
This extinguishments procedure was developed as an alternative of the three procedures, when the
extinguishing agents used is a non-aqueous or non-water based.
Using the Right Firefighting Tools

Each class of fire requires the appropriate firefighting tools to put them out.
Table 1. Basic guidelines in extinguishing the classes of fire.
Eight extinguishing agents are in common use. Each is applied to the fires as a liquid, gas or
solid. Depending on its extinguishing action and physical properties. Some may be used in several types of
fires, whereas others are more limited in use (Aguado, 2000).
LIQUIDS
1. Water Spray
2. Foam
GASES
1. Carbon Dioxide (co2)
2. Halon 1211,1301
SOLIDS (Dry Chemical)

1. Monoammonium Phosphate
2.Bicarbonate

3. Potassium Bicarbonate
4. Potassium Chloride
LIQUIDS (water & foam)

 Water is primarily a cooling agent. It absorbs heat and cools burning materials more effectively
than any of the commonly used extinguishing agents. It is most effective when it absorbs enough heat to raise
its temperature to 100 *C (212 *F). At that temperature water absorbs still more heat, turns to steam, and
moves the absorbed heat away from the burning material. This quickly reduces the temperatures of the
burning material below its ignition temperature, and the fire goes out.
 Water had an important secondary effect: when it turns to steam, it converts from the liquid state to
the gaseous (vapor) state, and in so doing; it expands about 1700 times in volume. This great cloud of steam
surrounds the fire, displacing the air that supplies oxygen for the combustion process. Thus, water provides a
smothering action as well as cooling.
Other types of Water Fire Firefighting
 Wet Water. A type of water that has been treated with a chemical agent to lower its surface tension.
The treated water penetrates porous (absorbent) materials, such as baled cotton and rolls of fabric, more
easily than plain water. Thus, it can sink in and extinguish fires that have extended into the interior of the bale
or roll.
 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. However, it does not penetrate as
easily as wet or untreated water. Thick water is slippery and makes walking on wet areas difficult.
 Rapid or Slippery Water. A type of water that has been added with small quantities of polyethylene
oxide. This chemical reduces the viscosity (thickness) of the water and the friction loss in hose lines. The
result is an increase in the reach of the stream.
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. The various
foam solutions are lighter than the lightest flammable oils. Consequently, when applied to burning oils, they
float on the surface of the oil.
Extinguishing Effects of Foam
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. The water in the foam also has a cooling effect, which gives foam its class A extinguishing
capability.
Types of Foam Extinguishing Agent

 Chemical Foam. Chemical foam is formed by mixing an alkali (usually sodium bicarbonate) with an
acid (usually aluminum sulfate) in water. When chemical foam was first introduced, these substances
were stored in separate containers; they are combined in scaled airtight container. A stabilizer is
added to make the foam tenacious (firm) and long-lived.
 Mechanical (Air) Foam. Mechanical foam 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.
As the name air foam implies, the bubbles are filled with air.
Limitations on the Use of Foam

Foams are effective extinguishing agents when used properly. However, they do have some
limitations, including the following:
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 fires.

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.
5. Sufficient foam must be on hand to ensure that the entire surface of the burning material can be covered.
Advantages of Foam
Despite its limitations, foam is quite effective in combating class A and class B fires.
1. Foam is every 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 exposed 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 re-ignition.
7. Foam concentrates are not heavy, and foam systems do not take up much space.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Agent
Extinguishing Properties of Carbon Dioxide

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.
CO2 has a very limited cooling effect. It can be used on class A fires in confined spaces, where the
atmosphere may be diluted sufficiently to stop combustion. However, CO 2 extinguishments take time. The
concentration of carbon dioxide must be maintained until all the fire is out. Constraint and patience are
needed.
Uses of Carbon Dioxide
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
(like nitrocellulose).
4. Machinery spaces, engine rooms, and paint and tool lockers.
5. Cargo spaces where total flooding with carbon dioxide may be accomplished.
6. Galleys 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 clean up would be a problem.
Limitations on the Use of Carbon Dioxide
Effectiveness. Co2 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. In fact, when CO 2 is
used in burning magnesium, 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.
Outside Use. To be fully effective, the gas must be confined. For this reason CO 2 is not effective outside as it
is in confined space.
Possibility of re-ignition. Compared with water carbon dioxide has a very limited cooling capacity. It may not
cool the fuel below its ignition temperature, and it is more likely than other extinguishing agents to allow
reflash.
Hazards. Although carbon dioxide is not poisonous to the human system, it is suffocating in the concentration
necessary for extinguishments. A person exposed to this concentration would suffer dizziness and
unconsciousness. Unless removed quickly to fresh air, the victim may die.

Dry Chemical Extinguishing Agent
Dry chemical extinguishing agents are chemicals 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
Sodium Bicarbonate. It is generally referred to as regular dry chemical and is widely used because it is most
economical dry chemical agent.
Potassium Bicarbonate. it has been found to be most effective on liquid fuel fires in driving flames back and
has a good reputation for eliminating flashback. It is more expensive than sodium bicarbonate.
Potassium Chloride. Chloride was developed as dry chemical that would be compatible with protein type
foams.
Urea Potassium Bicarbonate. the most effectiveness of all the dry chemicals tested”. It is not widely used
because it is expensive.
Monoammonium Phosphate (ABC Multipurpose). It is otherwise known as multipurpose dry chemical

because it can be effective on class A, B and C fires.
Extinguishing Effects of Dry Chemical

Dry chemical agents extinguish fire by cooling, smothering, shielding of radiant heat and to the
greatest extent by breaking the combustion chain.
Cooling. A small amount of cooling takes place simply because the dry chemical is at lower temperature than
the burning material. Heat is transferred from the hotter fuel to the cooler dry chemical when the latter is
introduced to the fire.
Smothering. When dry chemicals react with the heat and burning material, some carbon dioxide and water
vapor are produced. These dilute the fuel vapors and the air surrounding the fire. The result is a limited
smothering effect.
Shielding of Radiant Heat. Dry chemical produces an opaque cloud in the combustion area. This cloud
reduces the amount of heat that is radiated back to the heart of fire, i.e., the opaque cloud absorbs some of
the radiation feedback that is required to sustain the fire. Fewer vapors are produced, and the fire becomes
less intense.
Chain Breaking. Chain reactions are necessary for continued combustion. In these chain reactions, fuel and
oxygen molecules are broken down by heat; they recombine into the new molecules giving off additional heat.
This additional heat breaks down more molecules, which then recombine and gives off still more heat.
Uses of Dry Chemical
All dry chemical agents may be used to extinguish fires involving -

1. Flammable oils and greases.
2. Electrical equipment.
3. Certain combustible solid such as pitch, naphthalene, and plastics (except those that contain their own
oxygen); and
4. Machinery spaces, engine rooms and paint and tool lockers.
Limitations on the Use of Dry Chemical
The following are the limitations on the use of dry chemicals.
1. The discharge of large amounts of dry chemical could affect people in the vicinity.
2. Like the other extinguishing agents that contain no water, dry chemical is not effective on materials that
contain their own oxygen.
3. Dry chemical may deposit an insulating coating on electronic or telephonic equipment, affecting the
operation of the equipment.
4. Dry chemical is not effective on combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and their

alloys and in some cases may cause a violent reaction.

5. Where moisture is present, dry chemical may corrode or stain surface on which it settles.
Dry Powder Extinguishing Agent

Dry powders were developed to control and extinguish fires in combustible metal, i.e., class D Fires.
Only dry powder is intended for combustible metal fires, i.e., those involving magnesium, potassium, sodium,
and their alloys, titanium, zirconium, powdered or fine aluminum and some lesser-known metals.
What are the methods of extinguishing the 4 Classes of Fire?
1. CLASS A FIRES – by quenching and cooling: water is the best agent in cooling the burning solid
materials; water has a quenching effect that can reduce the temperature of a burning material below
its ignition temperature; (Fire extinguishers which have water, sand, acid, foam and special solution
containing alkali methyl dust, as found in the loaded stream extinguisher, should be used for this type
of fire.)
2. CLASS B FIRES – by smothering or blanketing (oxygen exclusion). This type of fire is put or
controlled by foam, loaded stream, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and vaporizing liquid.
3. CLASS C FIRES – controlled by a non-conducting extinguishing agent: the safest procedure is to

always de-energize the electrical circuit. Extinguishers that should be used to put out these types of
fires are Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers, Dry Chemical, Vaporizing liquids.
4. CLASS D FIRES – by using special extinguishing agents marked specifically for metals. GE type,
meth LX, Lith X, Meth L, Kyl, dry sand and dry talc can put out class D fires.
5. CLASS E FIRES – only combination of the above methods.
3.4. Fire Safety Inspection and Construction
Fire safety inspections should be conducted as a pre-requisite to grants of permits and/or

licenses by local governments or other government agencies (R.A. 9514, Section 7a).
Inspections should be done at least once a year and every time the owner, administrator or
occupant shall renew his/her business permit or permit to operate (Sec. 5, (g))
1. Building plan review
o 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)
o Upon assessment, buildings owners/occupants will be asked to pay Fire Code fees (Sec.
9.0.2.1 a)

o Submit the Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report 1 (FALAR)

o 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
4. Business and routine inspection
o 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)
▪ 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))
B. REQUIRED PAPERS/PERMITS
• Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report (FALAR) 1: Documentation on Fire and Life-Safety Features
of the Facility – prepared by the Architect and his Fire Protection Consultant
o Compilation of Plans/Specifications and design analysis
• Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report (FALAR) 2: Documentations submitted by the Contractor/s
and the Construction Manager certifying that the construction was in accordance with the FALAR 1
and authorized changes
• Fire and Life Safety Assessment Report (FALAR) 3: Documentation on the required periodic
maintenance of the fire and life-safety features of the facility – prepared by the building owner, his fire
safety officer/authorized representative
• Fire Insurance Data
o All persons having fire insurance coverage on their properties and/or business shall submit a
certified true copy of all coverages currently in effect, including subsequent and/or additional
policies to the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction not later than ten (10) days after
receipt of the document from any insurance company. Exempted from this requirement are
owners of detached, single- or two-family dwellings actually being used for residential
occupancy.
• Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) – pre-requisite for issuance of Business or Mayor’s permit,
Permit to Operate, Occupancy Permit, PHILHEALTH Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to
Operate and other permits or licenses
• Building Permit
• Occupancy Permit
C. FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

• Every building or structure shall be provided with sufficient exits to permit the fast and safe escape.
(Rule 10.2.2.A)
• Every exit of structures shall be designed and maintained to provide free and unobstructed escape.
(Rule 10.2.2.D)
o No lock or fastening device that would prevent escape from the inside of any building shall be
installed except in mental, penal, or correctional institutions where personnel are continually
on duty.
• Every exit shall be clearly visible. (Rule 10.2.2.E)
• Each escape route, in its entirety, shall be arranged or marked that the way to safety is unmistakable.
(Rule 10.2.2.E)
o Passage constituting a way to reach an exit shall be marked to minimize confusion.
o Any doorway not consulting to an exit shall be marked to minimize possible confusion.
• All passageways of exit shall be provided with adequate and reliable light. (Rule 10.2.2.F)
• Fire alarm systems shall be provided in every structure depending on size, arrangement, and
occupancy to provide adequate warning to occupants. (Rule 10.2.2.G)
• There should be various exit options in case any one safeguard is ineffective. (Rule 10.2.2.A)
• Every structure depending on size, arrangement, and occupancy, shall have at least two means of
escape remote from each other in order to minimize any possibility that both may be blocked by fire or
other emergency conditions. (Rule 10.2.2.H)
• Every vertical way of exit shall be enclosed or protected to afford safety of occupants while using
these exits and to prevent spread of fire, smoke, or fumed through these. (Rule 10.2.2.I)
• Occupants of structures must organize themselves and determine and implement a fire safety plan– a
means to prevent fire in the premises, notify the BFP in case of fire, initial fire fighting, and evacuation
of persons. (Rule 10.2.2.J)
o The building owner shall take the initiative to formulate a fire safety plan and organize the
occupants to implement it.
o In buildings leased by several persons or companies, the management of each company
shall be responsible for fire safety measures within the occupied areas. The building owner
shall be responsible for the common areas.
For building under construction:
• No building under construction shall be occupied in whole or in part until all exit requirements are
completed, inspected and approved for occupancy. (Rule 10.2.2.L.1)
• Existing buildings may be occupied during renovation provided that all existing fire protection systems
are maintained. (Rule 10.2.2.J.2)
o Flammable or explosive substances necessary for renovation may be introduced while the
building is occupied provided that the use will not impair the use of escape routes.
• Adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all time in buildings under construction for the use of
construction workers. (Rule 10.2.2.J.1)
Legal Provisions
Under Republic Act No. 9514 (An Act Establishing A Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines,
Repealing Presidential Decree No. 1185 And For Other Purposes), states that: A designated fire safety
inspector through his/her duly authorized representative, shall conduct an inspection of every
building or structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year and every time the owner,
administrator or occupant shall renew his/her business permit or permit to operate;
No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety
Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her duly authorized representative; (Section 5-g.)
h. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous
conditions or materials as set forth in this Code, provided that in case of single family dwelling, an inspection
must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful order from the proper court. The Chief, BFP or
his/her duly authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials and/or
stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set by this Code or its implementing rules
or regulations or other pertinent laws;
i. Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and property, to order the owner/occupant of any
building or structure to summarily abate such hazardous conditions;

j. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications, and other pertinent documents of
said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards; and
k. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on portion of any work due to absence, or
in violation of approved plans and specifications, permit and/or clearance or certification as approved by the
Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative. The notice shall state the nature of the violation and no
work shall be continued on that portion until the violation had been corrected.
SECTION 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions and Protective and/or Warning
Systems. ‑ As may be defined and provided in the rules and regulations, owners, administrators or occupants
of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and other responsible persons shall be required to
comply with the following, as may be appropriate:
a) Inspection Requirement ‑ A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Chief, BFP or his duly
authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits and/or licenses by local governments and
other government agencies concerned, for the:
(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities, or their premises including the installation or fire
protection and fire safety equipment, and electrical system in any building structure or facility; and
(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other hazardous
materials.
b) Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials ‑ Fire safety measures shall be required for the manufacture,
storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials involving:
(1) cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind;
(2) combustible fibers;
(3) cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and plastic foam;
(4) flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any classification;
(5) flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;
(6) high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;
(7) metallic magnesium in any form;
(8) corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide, nitromethane, ammonium nitrate, or any amount of
highly toxic, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or cryogenic materials or poisonous gases as well as material compounds
which when exposed to heat or flame become a fire conductor, or generate excessive smoke or toxic gases;
(9) blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive materials, blasting caps, black powder, liquid
nitroglycerin, dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and plastic explosives containing ammonium
salt or chlorate;
(10) firework materials of any kind or form;
(11) matches in commercial quantities;
(12) hot ashes, live coals and embers;
(13) mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/by-products;
(14) combustible waste materials for recycling or resale;
(15) explosive dusts and vapors; and
(16) agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may undergo spontaneous combustion;
(17) any other substance with potential to cause harm to persons, property or the environment because of one
or more of the following: a) The chemical properties of the substance; b) The physical properties of the
substance; c) The biological properties of the substance. Without limiting the definition of hazardous material,
all dangerous goods, combustible liquids and chemicals are hazardous materials.
c) Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes ‑ Fire safety measures shall be required for the
following hazardous operation/processes:
(1) welding or soldering;
(2) industrial baking and drying;
(3) waste disposal;
(4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;
(5) smelting and forging;
(6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;
(7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and
(8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be prescribed in the rules and regulations.

d) Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System ‑ Owners, occupants or
administrator or buildings, structures and their premises or facilities, except such other buildings or structures
as may be exempted in the rules and regulations to be promulgated under Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate
and provide therein fire safety construction, protective and warning system, and shall develop and implement
fire safety programs, to wit:
(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels or standpipe systems and other
fire fighting equipment;
(2) Fire alarm systems;
(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage areas from other occupancies in the
same building;
(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors and walls extending up to the next
floor slab or roof, curtain boards and other fire containing or stopping components;
(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way or safe dispersal area;
(6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of egress sealed from smoke and heat;
(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from each other room to appropriate exits,
displayed prominently on the door of such room;
(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;
(9) Fire dampers in centralized air-conditioning ducts;
(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and
(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency lights to adequately illuminate exit ways
in case of power failure.
SECTION 11. Penalties. ‑

1. Against the private individual:
a) Administrative fine ‑ Any person who violates any provision of the Fire Code or any of the rules and
regulations promulgated under this Act shall be penalized by an administrative fine of not exceeding Fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or in the proper case, by stoppage of operations or by closure of such buildings,
structures and their premises or facilities which do not comply with the requirements or by both such
administrative fine and closure/stoppage of operation to be imposed by the Chief, BFP: Provided, That the
payment of the fine, stoppage of operations and/or closure of such buildings, structures, and their premises or
facilities shall not absolve the violator from correcting the deficiency or abating the fire hazard. The decision of
the Chief, BFP, under this subsection, may be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior and Local
Government. Unless ordered by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government the appeal shall not stay
the execution of the order of the Chief, BFP. The decision of the Secretary of the Interior and Local
Government shall be final and executory.
b) Punitive ‑ In case of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard as provided in the
preceding subsection, the violator shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6)
months nor more than six (6) years, or by a fine of not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00)
or both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, however, That in the case of a corporation, firm, partnership or
association, the fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such violation,
and in case the guilty party is an alien, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, he shall immediately be
deported: Provided, finally, That where the violation is attended by injury, loss of life and/or damage to
property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
Any person who, without authority, maliciously removes the sign that a building or structure is a fire
hazard/firetrap placed by the authorized person in this Code shall be liable for imprisonment for thirty (30)
days or a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or both in the discretion of the
court.
LGUs (Section 7.0.1.2, IRR Fire Code of 2008)

LGUs should refrain from issuing licenses and/or permits without the applicant first securing an FSIC from the
BFP
Organization and training of fire drills in all barangays
Closure and/or stoppage of operation of buildings/structures or portions
LEARNING ACTIVITY 4 and 5
Learning Activity 4: Extinguishing Agents

Learning Activity/Reflection Reading 5: Fire Safety Inspection
SUMMARY
• The most important equipment of a fire department includes (1) communication systems, (2) fire trucks and
(3) special fire vehicles.
• 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.
• A ladder is a portable piece of equipment with rungs attached to sides made of metal, wood, or rope, used
for climbing up or down.
• A fire hose is a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source of
supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire.
• Fire extinguisher is a mechanical device, usually made of metals, containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for
stopping a fire.
• Water sprinkler systems protect the building structure, limit the spread of fire, and control the amount of
heat produced. They also protect the people in these areas and maintain escape routes.
• Fire safety construction can be regarded as that subset of fire engineering which aims towards the
elimination or reduction of fire hazards on buildings or structures, selection and control of combustible
contents and linings, design the building geometry and layout. Its principal objectives relate to life safety and
property protection.
• Fire safety inspection is the first line of defense against fire. It involves the examination of building, structure
or facility for defects, deficiencies or violation on fire safety and protection requirements.
• An 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.
REFERENCES
Motanio. M.L, et.al. (2010) Module in Fire Technology and Arson Investigation (CDIM- 6). Mindshapers CO.,
INC. Intramuros, Manila
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2008/12/19/republic-act-no-9514/
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/laginghanda/fire-safety/for-businesses/

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STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. ___

Fire Fighting Equipment and Extinguishing Agents

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, the student should be able to:

LEARNING CONTENTS (title of the subsection)

3.1. Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire Fighting Equipment

The most important equipment for fire fighters includes:

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1

Q: What's the difference between Fire Trucks and Fire Engines?

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 2

There are two kinds of ladder trucks –

Types of Fire Trucks

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 3

Hydraulic Platform Truck

Aerial ladder trucks

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 4

Elevating Platform Trucks (Articulating Boom)

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 5

Types of ladders Extension Ladder Roof Ladders Folding

Aerial Ladder Tower Ladders Combination Pompier

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 6

Parts of an Extension Ladder

2. Beam. It refers to the side rail (bar) of a ladder.

6. Halyard. A rope used for hoisting (raising) fly sections.

8. Heel (Butt). It is the bottom or ground end of a ladder.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 7

19. Top or Tip. It is the extreme top of the ladder.

Parts of a Fire Hose

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 8

Parts of Fire Hose

Hose Clamp Hose Spanner Wrench

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 9

3.2. Fire Extinguisher

The Fire Extinguishments Theory

4 General Methods of Fire Extinguishment

2. Extinguishment by Fuel Removal

3. Extinguishment by Oxygen Dilution

4. Extinguishment by Chemical Inhibition

It is also a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.

Classification of Fire Extinguishers

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 10

Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers

7. Halon Extinguishers. Is often used to protect valuable electrical equipment.

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 11

Types of Semi-Portable Fire Extinguishers

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 12

What are the types of Fire Extinguishers?

Markings Required on Fire Extinguishers

What are the prohibited types of fire extinguishers?

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 13

1. Removal of inspection tags attached to fire extinguishers.

What are the General Operating Procedures in Fire Extinguishment?

Importance of the Sprinkler System

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 14

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System

The Ideal Safety Tandem: Sprinkler System and Smoke Detector

Importance of Smoke Detectors

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1, 2 and 3

Learning Activity 1: Fire Fighting Equipment

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY 15

Learning Activity2: Fire Extinguisher