DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

FIRE PROTECTION

TYPES OF FIRES
FIRE
Fires are classified by the FUEL they burn.
Is a rapid, self-sustaining oxidation process A. Normal Combustibles
accompanied by the release of heat and light of a. Wood
different intensities. b. Paper
c. Plastic
THEORIES OF COMBUSTION
d. Rags
- Ordinary combustible materials, like paper,
FIRE TRIANGLE THEORY - the graphical
cardboard, wood, and products made from
representation of the three elements of fire.
these materials can present a fire hazard
● HEAT
when they are allowed to accumulate or are
● OXYGEN
stored improperly.
● COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
- Foam or plastic cups, utensils, materials

*FIRE TETRAHEDRON THEORY - added (chemical close to heat sources burn rapidly and give
chain reaction) off dense, toxic, black smoke.

ELEMENTS OF FIRE B. Flammable Liquids

a. Gasoline
OXYGEN - colorless, odorless gas and one of the b. Oil
compositions of air which is approximately 21% in c. Grease
volume. 78% nitrogen, 1% other elements. d. Paint
- The unsafe use, storage, dispensing, or
HEAT - form of energy generated by the transmission
disposal of flammable materials can be a
of some other form of energy as in combustion of
prime source of fires and explosions.
burning.
- Read labels of all spray cans to identify
these with flammable gas-propellants.
FUEL - any substance which reacts chemically with
● Butane and Propane are the most
oxygen and produces flames either in solid, liquid, or
common and should never be
gas state. The most important part of the fire triangll,
exposed to heat or flames.
for fuel, is what burns.
- THREE FORMS OF FUEL:
C. Electrical Fires
● SOLID - have definite shape and
volume
a. Electrical Junctions

● LIQUID - definite volume but no shape b. Motors

● GAS - No definite volume and shape c. Generators

d. Heaters
- Extension cords and multiple plug adapters
may only be used for temporary operations.

1 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION

- Overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, and CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION - the fourth method
defective switches and outlets can all lead to of extinguishment is known as inhibition or the
electrical fires. interruption of chemical chain reaction.

D. Combustible Metals PREVENTION STRATEGY

a. Metals
b. Potassium ● HOUSEKEEPING
c. Sodium - Store materials at least 18 from the
d. Aluminum ceiling in rooms that have a sprinkler
e. Magnesium system.
- Any operation involving heated materials or - Store materials at least 24 from the
open flames can present a fire hazard. ceiling in rooms that do not have
- Hot work procedures have been developed sprinkler systems
and are part of this program. - Exceptions are allowed for attached
wall shelving not located directly
FIRE CLASSIFICATION under a sprinkler head.
- Keep passageways clear of
● CLASS A - Combustible Materials obstacles, including furniture and
● CLASS B - Flammable Liquids
other equipment.
● CLASS C - Electrical Fires
- Maintain premises free of unneeded
● CLASS D - Metals
● CLASS E - any combinations of the other class and unnecessary combustible
● CLASS K - Kitchen materials. Surplus or properly
discard unused items being
METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT stockpiled or hoarded.
- Hoarding increases the risk
COOLING - the cooling process is used as an
of fire and possible structural
extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is
damage due to increased
heat absorption.
weighted loading on floors.

SMOTHERING also known as BLANKETING -

● FIRE RESISTANT BARRIERS
excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that gasses or
- All penetration of floors, ceilings, and
vapors of the fuel cannot ignite and continue.
walls are avenues for smoke and
heat travel.
SEPARATION also known as STARVATION - the
- These penetrations must be properly
removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off
fire-stopped where required.
a valve in a gas line prevents the fuel oxygen from
● For example, in walls that
coming together.
are fire-rated or serve as
smoke barriers.

2 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION

● This includes the replacing

of ceiling tile when disturbed ● FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE
for any reason. MATERIALS
- Store flammable liquids properly.
● ELECTRICAL ● At least one fire extinguisher
- Inspect all wiring, switches and in the area.
plugs for damage. ● Large storage areas should
● Repair must be performed have a fire protection system
by an “Electrical Qualified installed.
Person”. ● USe flammable liquid
- Use of unapproved electric cords or storage cabinets where
equipment in wet or damp locations greater quantities of liquids
may result in a short circuit. are needed.
● Do not connect/disconnect ● Contrary to popular belief,
electrical cords with wet these cabinets are not
hands. designed to contain a fire,
- Do not overload motors or circuits, but to prevent an outside fire
which can easily become a source of from reaching the contents
ignition. for a period of 10 minutes.
- report any problems with lighting
fixtures or heating elements to the - Some flammable liquids such as
Physical Plant immediately. xylene, toluene, benzene, and
- Improper use of extension cords is gasoline have a tendency to
prohibited. accumulate a static electric charge,
● Do not use extension cords which can release a spark that
in place of permanent ignites the liquid.
building wiring. - Materials that contribute to a
● Have additional outlets flammable liquid fire should not be
installed if necessary. stored with flammable liquids.
● Use a power strip with ● For example:
breaker protection in lieu of - Oxidizers
extension cords. - Organic Peroxides
- Multiple plug adapters are - If a spill occurs:
prohibited. ● Limit spread by diking with
● Have additional wall outlets suitable absorbent material.
installed. ● Minimize vapors by covering
● Use power strips with the surface of the spill with
breaker protection instead.

3 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION
the same
material.
● Notify the
immediately. Call 911
summon the
Department if necessary.
● Ensure all sources of ignition
are off or controlled.
● Begin cleanup right away.
● COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
- Oxygen cylinders must be 20 feet
from flammable and combustible
materials
- Keep valves close and put cups on
cylinders when not in use.
- Never store gas cylinders near
radiators or other heat sources.
(Including direct sunlight)
● FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
- Not all buildings on campus are
equipped with building fire alarms.
- If your building is not equipped with
a fire alarm system, occupants will
need to communicate to others in
the building by yelling FIRE as they
exit the building, or by other means
as defined in the
Emergency Action Plan.
- Manually activated pull stations are
located along building exit routes.
- All buildings equipped with fire
alarms will have manual
stations. (red boxes)
absorbent - Fire suppression systems are more
commonly known as “sprinkler
supervisor systems”
to - Several types are present in campus
Fire buildings.
● The most common type uses
water and is designed to
extinguish small fires and/or
reduce the spread of fire to
provide building occupants
time to evacuate.
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
● Proper installation and maintenance of
electrical connections
● Avoiding the use of metal items like staples
or nails to fasten electric cords
● Proper maintenance of electric cords
● Proper use, storage, and maintenance of all
electrical appliances
● Unplugging of electrical appliances after use
● Proper connection and maintenance of gas
stoves and LPG tanks
● Keeping flammable liquids, matches, and
lighters out of children’s reach
● Avoiding smoking indoors and making sure
that cigarette butts are fully extinguished
when discarding them
building’s ● Making sure that lighted candles and
mosquito coils are never left unattended
● Obeying of “no smoking” signs
● Installation and maintenance of fire
detection and prevention devices
pull ● Securing an appropriate and effective fire
extinguisher for your home, which should be
Department of Trade and Industry certified
● Proper storage of flammable items
4 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION
● Keeping flammable objects aways from
stoves and other heating devices
● Observing vigilance when cooking
● Small fires may be extinguished by covering
the flame with a non-flammable item like a
pot cover or a dampened towel or blanket.
Water should be used only for non-electrical
fires.
● If the fir gets out of hand, the nearest fire
department should be called
● Escape quickly.Your household should
agree on an escape plan and each room
should have at least two easily accessible
escape routes.
● Avoid suffocation in a smoke-filled room by
crawling as close to the ground as possible
on hands and knees to the nearest exit.
● If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and
roll to extinguish the flames.
DEFINITION OF TERMS RELATED TO FIRE
TECHNOLOGY - branch of knowledge with
industrial arts and science. It is the knowledge that
is utilized to produce products needed in the
improvement of society.
CHEMISTRY - is a branch of science which deals
with the study of composition structure and changes
that matter undergoes.
ATOM - the smallest particle of matter that takes
part in chemical reactions. Atoms has it own
structure consists or proton, neutrons, and electron.
ELEMENT - substance made up of only one kind of
atom. It could not be decomposed by a simple
chemical change into two or or more different
substance.
- Example: Silver, Gold, Copper
MOLECULES - combination of two or more atoms
- Example: Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
COMPOUNDS - two or more elements combined in
a definite proportion.
- Example: Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
ATOMIC WEIGHT - relative weight of an element
expressed in grams - atomic weight. This is equal
to the sum of the protons and neutrons inside the
nucleus.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT - sum total of the atomic
weight if all elements present in a compound.
CHEMICAL FORMULA - is the shorthand method
of writing a substance by the use of symbols and
subscript of numbers to indicate the proportions of
each element.
- Example: Potassium Carbonate, Hydrogen
Peroxide
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - ratio of the weight of a
substance compared with an equal volume of water.
VAPOR DENSITY - weight of a volume of a pure
gas compared to the weight of a volume of dry air at
the sample temperature and pressure.
VAPOR PRESSURE - the force exerted by the
molecules on the surface of the liquid of equilibrium.
5 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION
TEMPERATURE - the degree of thermal agitation of
molecules.
● Thermometer is used to measure the
temperature
BOILING POINT - in liquid, it is the temperature at
which the pressure of the vapor escaping from the
liquid equals the outside pressure. That is the
pressure/liquid equals the outside pressure, thus
formation of bubbles is observed on the liquid.
- NORMAL BOILING POINT: temperature at
which the vapor pressure of liquid is 760
mmHg.
KINDLING TEMPERATURE - the temperature at
which the oxidation reaction is rapid enough to
maintain combustion without the addition or heat
from the outside. This is a self- contained
combustion phenomenon. The highest temperature.
- Example: oil will not burn unless its kindling
temperature is reached.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FIRE
ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS - the new substance
formed in a chemical reaction has a greater energy
than the reactants.
EXOTHERMIC REACTION - the product formed
has less energy than the reactants.
OXIDATION - ability of oxygen to combine directly
with metals and nonmetals which are combustible.
FLAMES - are incandescent gasses. They are
produced by the reaction of oxygen with
combustible gasses.
- LUMINOUS - yellow(orange-red orange
flame;usually found in burning paper or
wood.
- NON-LUMINOUS - blue-light blue
flame;usually found in LPG tanks, butane
(for cooking); has complete combustion.
PYROLYSIS - the chemical process whereby fire
consumes the most solid. Most solid organic
compounds such as wood, plastic, or coals do not
burn - they actually pyrolyze. It is the combustible
products of their pyrolytic decomposition that burn
as these volatile vapors burn, they rise.
PYROLYSIS OF WOOD
- CELLULOSE - is the major component of
wood. As the wood undergoes pyrolysis CO,
CO2, Hydrogen and more water and other
vapors are distilled and what remains is the
carbon in the form of charcoal.
PYROLYSIS OF LIQUID FUEL - Flammable and
combustible liquids like gasoline, fuel oil, and
turpentine are volatile and are also subject to
pyrolysis. they vaporized rapidly when heated and
their vapors burn.
FIRE BEHAVIOR IN FIRE INVESTIGATION
Like a criminal, fire also behaved by burning every
combustible and killing any human being on its way
to freedom. But also it will leave fingerprints in the
form of burnt pattern at the scene of fire.
1. HEAT TRANSFER - Fire spread in is
transferred by 3 methods.
- Conduction
6 I @reviewer
 DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARINAS
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
FIRE PROTECTION

- Radiation of Arson is planned, motivated, committed in secret

- Convection and rarely can an eye witness be found who can
testify the setting of fire. Therefore in most arson
KINDS OF ORIGIN OF FIRE cases, circumstantial evidence is the most common
investigators can rely upon.
PROVIDENTIAL - fire caused by the act of GOD.
This is a natural cause. They cannot be controlled ARSON - it is the willful and malicious burning of
and prevented by man. building houses or houses of another man. Also the
easiest to commit, but the hardest to solve
ACCIDENTAL FIRE - are caused mostly by human - GREEK WORD - ARSIO meaning to burn
negligence and human error.
IDENTIFICATION OF PRIME SUSPECTS

INTENTIONAL FIRE - are those set on purpose

with motive, legally classified as arson or either the CEO of the company (INSURANCE
incendiarism. PURPOSES) or any person with interest.
- MOTIVE: the will of the person to commit a
crime IDENTIFICATION OF FIRE SETTER

● for insurance purposes (with motive)

● to conceal another crime Accomplice; paid by the prime suspect to set a fire.
● pyromaniac,psychos (person without
motive)

THE INVESTIGATION OF FIRE

WHY FIRE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED -

1. To determine the cause
2. To prevent similar occurrences

WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO INVESTIGATE -

1. Should possess knowledge of
investigational techniques
2. Should have an insight of human behavior
3. Should have a first hand knowledge of the
chemistry of fire and fire behavior
4. Should be resourceful

Fire investigation differs from other police inquiries

in the sense that fire destroys evidence. The crime

7 I @reviewer