SCIENCE OF FIRE

FIRE

❖ a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process accompanied by the evolution

of heat and light of varying intensity
❖ an active chemical reaction that takes place between fuel, heat and
oxygen in the form of light and noticeable heat
❖ a chemical reaction; the rapid oxidation of a fuel producing heat and
light
❖ an oxidation taking place with a rate rapid enough to produce heat and
light
Three (3) Stages/Phases of Fire

1. Incipient phase – Initial stage of fire.

Characteristics:
❖ normal room temperature
❖ thermal updraft rise accumulates at higher point
❖ producing C02, CO, SO2, water and other gases
❖ oxygen plentiful
❖ temperature at 1000 °F
2. Free Burning Phase – A phase of burning in which
materials or structures are burning in the presence of
adequate oxygen.
Characteristics:
❖ fire has involved more fuel
❖ heat accumulates at upper area
❖ area is fully involved
❖ oxygen supply has depleted
❖ temperature exceeds 1,330 F
3. Smoldering – final phase of burning
wherein flame ceases but dense smoke and
heat completely fill the confined room
Characteristics:
❖ flames may die and leave only glowing
embers or super heated fuel under
pressure with little OXYGEN.
❖ intense heat will vaporize lighter FUEL
components, such as hydrogen and
methane, increasing the hazard.
❖ temperature throughout the building is
very high and normal breathing is not
possible.
❖ oxygen deficiency may cause BACKDRAFT.
 Elements of Fire or the Fire Triangle

1. Fuel – anything that will burn

when heated with sufficient oxygen.

2. Oxygen – the common oxidizing

agent; aids in combustion; comes
from the atmosphere we breath; the
atmosphere contains: 21% oxygen,
78% nitrogen and 1% impurities.

3. Heat – source of ignition

Classifications of Fire
A. Based on Cause
1. Natural Fire – providential involves fires without direct human
intervention.
Examples:
A. Earthquake
B. Typhoon
C. Lightning
D. Spontaneous combustion arising from the storage of
combustible materials in poorly ventilated places
E. Explosion from petroleum products, alcohol and other
substances
F. Sun rays focused on glasses which may serve as a convex lens
2. Accidental Fire - cause does not
involve a deliberate human act to
ignite or spread fire
A. Carelessly discarded cigarettes
B. Careless disposition of readily
combustible materials
C. Poorly managed or defective
heating facilities
D. Overheating, spark and electrical
defects
E. Overload electric circuits/
Octopus connections
F. Children playing matches
E. Use of candles
3. Intentional Fire/Incendiary

Is one deliberately set under

circumstances in which the person
knows that the fire should not be set.

Whenever the cause cannot be

proven, the proper classification is
undetermined.

4. Undetermined
 B. Based on Burning Fuel

CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D CLASS E

Ordinary solid Flammable liquids This type of fire Combustible metals Flammable gases
materials such as: such as: involves: such as: such as:
❖ Fibers ❖ Gasoline ❖ Electrical ❖ Magnesium ❖ LPG
❖ Wood ❖ Lube Motors ❖ Sodium ❖ LNG
❖ Paper ❖ Oil ❖ Electrical ❖ Alloys
❖ Straw ❖ Kerosene Appliances ❖ Uranium
❖ Grain and Grass ❖ Paint Thinner ❖ Apparatus ❖ Titanium
❖ Coal and Coke
Principles of Fire
1. Prevention- Safeguarding against the outbreak of fire and/or limiting its effects.
2. Detection and Communication- Investigating and discovering of fire followed by
informing occupants and the fire service
3. Occupant Protection- Facilitating occupant avoidance of and escape from the effects
of fire.
4. Containment- Limiting of fire and all of its consequences to as small an area at
possible
5. Extinguishment- Suppressing of fire and protecting of the surrounding environment.
 Types of Heat Transmission

1. Conduction- through an object/medium or

conductor

1. Convection- by moving currents of liquid or gas

2. Radiation- through the discharge and spread of heat

from a heated or burning source

3. Flame Contact- may be conducted from one body to

another by direct flame contact
Possible Sources of Ignition

1. Electrical sparks 4. Hot surfaces

2. Static electricity 5. Impact

3. Naked flames 6. Friction