Steps on How to Determine the Point of Origin

1. Examine the entire interior of the building and determine which room or areas have received the most severe
fire damage. Generally, this will be the area where the fire burned extensively or the longest and will very
likely be where it originated.

2. Determine the level or origin within the room by examining and comparing the bottom side of the tables,
shelves, and chairs.

3. Examine the ceiling and look for the following patterns:

a) fire penetration and

b) heaviest fire exposure

4. Examine the light bulbs within the room. The side of the bulbs which is initially exposed to heat begin to swell
or bulge and lose shape at about 900 ºF when exposed to heat for 10 minutes or more actually point to the
area of fire origin.

5. Examine walls within the room and look for fire patterns or fire cones. Fires generally burn upward and
outward, leaving corresponding fire patterns on wall as a result of heat transfer through convection and
radiation. The steepness or relative, pitch of the angle seen on the fire cone is indicative of the type of
burning, e.g smoldering or flaming

Debris

Examine the fire debris and the floor in the following manner:

• Conduct a detailed search of the debris, examining it layer by layer until the floor is reached;

• Completely clean the floor on all debris and char dust. The floor and floor covering should be clean enough to
observe and photograph the significant burn and char patterns -and should be dry.

• Carefully reconstruct and replace furnishings and other articles in their original positions by using burn patterns
and corresponding protected areas. During fire progress, legs and bases of furniture and other items on the
floor will protect the floor, leaving unburned marks which will aid in repositioning.

• Examine the floor coverings and floor for significant patterns.

Furnishings

Examine fire damaged furnishing such as: upholstered furniture couches, chairs, beds, etc.

Two (2) General Types of Burn Pattern

• Burn pattern that involves a surface burning of the item. This pattern is indicative of the presence of a smoldering source
of ignition. Examination of supporting springs will disclose that tension still exists.

• Burn, patterns involving deep penetration of one portion with corresponding collapse of springs and frame destruction:
Spring collapse is caused when the heating process occurs over an extended length of time, causing the springs to lose
their tension and collapses of their own weight.

Types of Fire/Arson Investigation

Basic Investigation

Purposes:

1. to determine what property was damage;

2. what the causes and reasons were;

3. the number and extent of injuries or fatalities; and

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 establish
necessary corrective action.

Reasons in Conducting Technical Investigation

 1. there is suspicion of arson in connection with any fire;

2. there is suspicion of negligence or violation of regulations;

3. the cause of any fire is undetermined (to establish the most probable cause);

4. there is evidence of negligence or mismanagement in the fire suppression or 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.

FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL AND 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 showing down the rate of burning, whereas, control means keeping the fire from
spreading or holding the fire to one area. Extinguishment is putting the fire completely out.

Four Methods of Fire Extinguishment and How It Works

Extinguishing fire is somewhat comparable to the elimination of life. For example; the cooling of the fire may be
compared to asphyxiation (elimination of the oxygen supply), and separation may be compared with malnutrition or
starvation. The tetrahedron concept adds a fourth element - chemical reaction.

Under the triangle-of-fire-concept, there are three (3) ways of suppressing, controlling, and extinguishing a fire,
namely:

1. Cooling

The cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic, is heat absorption. Water is the best
general cooling agent for firefighting purposes. Used on Class A fires, the water absorbs the heat generated at the
surface of the burning material, thus, reducing the temperature of the material below its flash point.

2. Smothering

excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that the gases or vapors of the fuel cannot ignite and continue the combustion. CO 2
and AFFF are used for this purpose.

3. Separation

The removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a valve in a gas line prevents the fuel and oxygen from coming
together. If fuel is not available, then heat, regardless of the temperature, cannot affect the fuel, Therefore, there is no fire.

These three methods of extinguishment explain how fires are extinguished with the used of water, CO2, and foam.
They do not entirely account for the results obtained by vaporizing liquids or dry chemicals.

Vaporizing liquids could not possibly absorb enough heat to have the same effect as water, and dry chemical do
not exclude sufficient oxygen to smother a fire in the same manner as carbon dioxide.

The next paragraph will explain the fourth element, the chemistry of fire in terms of the theory of reactivity.

4. Chemical Chain Reaction

The fourth method of extinguishment is known as inhibition or the interruption of chemical reaction.

The sequence of events in suppressing or extinguishing a fire with dry chemicals or vaporizing liquids includes some
aspects of the first three methods.

Using the potassium bicarbonate (dry chemical) as an example, you can follow the process of the fourth method of
extinguishment. Remember this is a rapid reaction and does not necessarily happen one step at a time.

First, the heat of the fire vaporizes the potassium bicarbonate thereby producing water, carbon dioxide, and potassium
dioxide. In the process of vaporization and the change of these compounds, a substantial amount of heat is absorbed by
the water and some smothering occurs due to the release of CO2.

Second, the chemical reaction resulting, when the potassium dioxide unites with the water formed by the fire creates an
amount of potassium hydroxide.

Third, some potassium hydroxide reacts with certain products released from the fuel, thus forming water and potassium
monoxide. Other potassium hydroxide molecules react with the free hydrogen of the combustion to form’ a potassium
atom and molecules of water.

Finally, this combination of reactions halts the process of fuel uniting with oxygen of the air, thereby breaking the chemical
chain reaction and stopping the fire.
Extinguishing Agents

The effectiveness of an extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the amount and type of agent in the
extinguisher. Different extinguishing agents can be used to put out a certain class of fire by one or more methods.

1. Removing oxygen;
2. Removing the fuel;
3 Removing heat; and
4. Interrupting the chemical chain reaction.

Some extinguishing agents may be able to extinguish more than one class of fire. They are marked with multiple letters or
multiple numerical-letter ratings.

The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the class of fire they are used, and the extinguishing
methods used:

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.

In its natural state, it is highly stable and may be used to extinguish most types of fire if properly applied.
Due to its conductive properties, water should not be used on electrical fires.

Additives:

There are many additives for water used in firefighting. Each of these has a specific purpose and effect on
the water.

Ways or Methods Water Extinguishes Fires

Cooling

The outstanding heat absorbing qualities of water make it an excellent cooling agent. In the cooling process, water is
applied in large enough amounts to reduce the temperature of the surface of the burning material to below its flashpoint.
The amount of water required depends on the burning material (temperature) and the manner in which water is applied
(straight or fog stream).

Smothering

When water is used to smother a fire, stream must be generated in sufficient amounts to exclude or displaced air. If the
steam generated is confined in the combustion zone, the smothering action will be enhanced. In ordinary combustibles,
the cooling effects of the water not the smother - normally causes extinguishment. The smothering effect does not
completely extinguish the fire; rather, it has a tendency to suppress flaming.

Usage

Water is generally used on Class A fires. Fires involving high flashpoint liquids (such as heavy fuel oil, and asphalt) may
be extinguished when water is effectively applied in spray form. Water may also be used to extinguish Class C and Class
D fires in some cases. In these cases, use extreme caution to avoid injury to personnel and/or damage to equipment.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent. It is non-combustible and non-reactive with most
substances. CO2 provides its pressure for discharge from storage cylinders or extinguishers. Being a gas, CO 2 can
penetrate and spread to all parts of fire.

Effects:

Extinguishment with CO2 is primarily by smothering. It covers or blankets the burning materials and reduces the oxygen
content to below levels needed for combustion. Even though it is very cold, it has a little cooling effect on a fire when
compared with equal amounts of water. This is the reason when fires that have been apparently extinguished with CO 2
re- ignite from hot surfaces or embers as the CO2 dissipates.

Usage:

Due to its non-conductivity, CO2 is very effective for use on Class C fires. It is also used on Class B fires, but another
agent is needed in blanketing or smothering on large are fires to prevent re-ignition.

CO2 can cause unconsciousness and death in connections needed for extinguishment. A 9% concentration is about all
most people can take without becoming unconscious within just a few minutes.

3. Dry Chemical

The dry chemical extinguishing agents in use today are mixtures of powders and various additives that improve the
storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders. Sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mono ammonium
phosphate are some of the powders commonly used today. Dry chemical is stable at low temperatures, but it has an
upper storage temperature of 140 ºF. At temperatures above 140 ºF some caking or sticking of the powder occurs. These
agents are said to be non-toxic, but in discharging large amounts they may cause some breathing and visibi1ity problems.

Effects:

Flames banish almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire area. But the exact chemistry and
mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not fully known. It has been suggested that the dry chemical agents inhibit the
chain reaction in the combustion zone has a greater effect in the extinguishment than the smothering or cooling actions
and radiation shielding have.

. Dry Powder

Dry powder is a generally term for agents used to extinguish combustible metal fires. No one dry powder has been found
to be effective, on all types of combustible metals.

Effects:

Dry powder generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible metal. To some extent, heat is absorbed by
the powder to lower the temperature of the metal to below ignition point (as with G.I. powder).

Usage:

Dry powder is used primarily on Class D fires and should not be used on other types of fire, due to its limited value on
these fires.

5. AFFF

Aqueous Film Forming Foam has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purposes. Protein base foam is now
used primarily for runway foaming operations and for some training purposes.

Effects:

The quick “knock-down” and “heat reduction” properties of AFFF have provn it to be a highly effective agent. These
properties, combined with its ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent “flashback”, make it an
outstanding and effective extinguishing agent with which to work. When AFFF is applied to the surface of a flammable
liquid fire, the surface active material (surfactant) provides a vapor sealing effect. This is not only extinguishes the fire but
also prevents the release of fuel vapors which could result in flashbacks. This vapor seal is also very hard to break-up by
walking, or moving some hose lines through it.

Usage:

As with any other extinguishing agent, its effectiveness depends on the proper application. The AFFF is designed to be
applied at a 6 % mixture (94 parts water to 6 parts AFFF concentrate). This mixture should be applied in a rainfall manner,
or lobbing effect to allow rapid spreading over the surface. It is used primarily to extinguish on Class B fires. It may be
used on Class A fires but may be less effective than plain water. Foam spray (fog) is more conductive than plain water
fog, because the material contained in the foam allows the water to conduct electricity.

6. Halons (Halogenated Agents)

These agents have been used for over 50 years. Continuous research has brought these agents to the present high
degree of effectiveness in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along with a decrease in life safety hazard.

The older (better known) agents such as carbon tetrachloride (Halon 104) and chlorobromomethane (Halon 1011) are less
effective and more toxic than the newer agents now in use.
Effects:
Halogenated agents work chemically to extinguish fire. They stop combustion process by breaking the fire chain reaction
and prevent further fire propagation. This chemical fire-stopping action happens with only a low concentration of
halogenated agent used. Application of the agent may be applied locally by using a compressed bottle of noncombustible
gas similar to a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. This type of application is effective in controlling or extinguishing surface
fires involving flammable liquid, solids, or gases, such as dip tanks, quench, tanks, spray booths, oil-filled transformers, or
vapor vents.

Usage:

Halogenated agents are very effective on Class B and Class C fires and have some effects or success on
Class A fires.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or sick person before or until the arrival of qualified
personnel/doctor. When the term first aid is used to describe a piece of equipment, the same general meaning applies.

Portable (first-aid) fire extinguishers are designed to be used on fires as soon as possible after they start and before the
fire gets too far along. These extinguishers may be able to extinguish the fire or hold it in check until larger firefighting
equipment arrives.

Extinguishers are designed primarily for use by people other than firefighters. The skill and knowledge in their operation
may mean the difference between using one small fire extinguisher or a big operation involving many fire trucks and
dozens of people to extinguish a fire.

Fire Extinguisher Defined:

It is a mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gases 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 a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.

Classes of Fire Extinguishers:

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers offer the greatest potential for immediately controlling workplace fires.

Their portability and relatively easy operation often make them ready for use within seconds. However, training and
education is critical to know more on the operations and use of an extinguisher. Users should know how to identify
extinguishers, what types are available, where they are in the work place, and above all, how to use them.

Dry Chemicals

Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multi-purpose use. It contains an extinguishing agent and uses a
compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

a. Regular or ordinary (sodium and potassium bicarbonate respectively used only Class B or Class C fires.

b. Multi-purpose dry chemicals (ammonium phosphate) used on Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Dry chemicals inhibit the chain reaction and, to a certain degree, cool and smother the fire. These agents are chemically
treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing. This also helps prevent packing of the chemical
while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry chemical extinguishers may be found in sizes which range from 2 ½ to 30
pounds.

2. Carbon Dioxide

- used on Class B and Class C fires. CO2 extinguishes fire by smothering, reducing the oxygen level, below that which
supports combustion. Under certain conditions, the coldness of the gas also helps put out the fire. It is an inert gas. When
CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or tank such a fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid. When it
passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, it changes from a liquid to a gas and the expansion chills it to
low temperatures so that approximate 30% of the liquid CO2 is converted into a solid dioxide “snow” or “dry ice.”
The
cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since there is the
possibility that the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out.

3. Foam

- used only on Class A and B fires. Foam removes fuel by forming a layer over a burning liquid and preventing flammable
vapors from escaping. Foam will also smother by keeping oxygen from mixing with the vapors and cool with a constant
layer of water bearing foam

4. Halons

- used on Class B and C fires. These liquefied gases are most effective in interrupting the chain reaction, but they also
have slight smothering and cooling effects. These are made up of carbon and one or more halogen elements like fluorine,
chlorine, iodine, and bromine. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since
they leave no residue to clean up unlike CO2. Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually from 4-6 feet. The initial
application should be made at the base of the fire, even after the fires have been put out.

5. Metal/Sand Extinguishers

- these types of extinguishers are primarily used for flammable metals (Class D) and have the characteristics of a
blanketing effect (smothering) on the fire. The most common extinguishing agent used is sodium chloride.

The following are different types of Metal/Sand Extinguishing Agents:

• Sodium chloride

- used for metal fires involving magnesium, sodium (spills and in depth), potassium, sodium/potassium alloys, uranium
and powdered aluminum. Heat from the fire causes the agent to harden and form a crust that excludes air and dissipates
heat.

• Powdered Copper Metal (Cu metal)

- used for fires involving lithium and lithium alloys. It is the only known lithium fire fighting agent which will cling to a
vertical surface thus making it the preferred agent used on three dimensional and flowing fires.

• Graphite-based powders

- these are designed for use on lithium fires. It is also effective on fires involving high melting metals such as zirconium
and titanium.

• Specially-designed sodium bicarbonate-based dry agents

- used to suppress fires with most metal alkyls, pyrophoric liquids which ignite on contact, with air, such as
triethylaluminum.

• Sodium-carbonate-based dry powders

- can be used with most Class D fires involving sodium, potassium or sodium/potassium alloys. This agent is
recommended where stress, corrosion of stainless steel must be kept to an absolute minimum.

6. Halotron I Extinguishers

These extinguishers are intended for use on class B and Class C fires. Halotron I is an ozone-friendly replacement for
Halon 1211 (which was banned by international agreements starting 1994). This “clean” agent discharges as a liquid, has
a high visibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or static shock, leaves no residue and is non-conducting. These
properties make it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications equipment, and electronics, and it is
expensive.

7. FE-36 - (Hydrofluorocarbon-236fa or known as HFC-236fa)

it is a DuPont-manufactured Halon 1211 replacement. This agent is less toxic than both Halon 1211 and Halotron I. It has
a zero ozone-depleting effect or potential. FE-36 is not scheduled for phase-out whereas Halotron I production is slated to
cease in 2015.

8. Water Mist Extinguishers

Ideal used for Class A fire where a potential Class C hazard exists. Unlike an ordinary water extinguisher, the misting
nozzle provides safety from electric shock and reduces scattering of burning materials. In non-magnetic versions, water
mist extinguishers are the preferred choice for MRI or NMR facilities or for deployment on mine sweepers
Portable fire extinguishers are no substitute for sprinkler systems, hose streams, or other fire fighting devices. They
contain a limited supply of extinguishing agent, and their discharge range and time is limited. But they are necessary even
when property is protected by an automatic fire protection device.

Steps in using portable fire extinguishers:

1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed, breaking
the plastic or wire inspection band.

2. Point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body, unclip it
first.

3. Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the handle.

4. Sweep the nozzle in side to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. Direct the agent
at the base of the flames. After the fire is out, probe for smoldering hot spot or liquids that could reignite.
Make sure the fire is out. Back away from the fire area to protect yourself from possible danger or flashback.

Semi-Portable/Wheeled Extinguisher

These types of extinguishers provide a way of getting a sizeable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire rapidly. These
units are designed for in plant protection and offer a considerably longer agent discharge period and greater firefighting
power. Capacities range from 100 to 350 lbs. of dry chemical agent. Generally, nitrogen in a separate tank releases the
agent through a flexible hose tipped with a spray nozzle. The units typically have a 50 foot (15 m) hose that allows
considerable maneuverability while combating fires.

Steps to Operate, a wheeled type extinguisher:

1. Open the compressed gas cylinder to pressurize the agent;

2. Free the hose from its reel and move toward the fire;
3. Point the nozzle toward the base of the fire;
4. Squeeze the nozzle to discharge the agent. To stop discharging, release the nozzle action.
Inspection and Maintenance of Extinguishers:

Once a fire extinguisher is purchased and installed, it becomes the responsibility of the owner to maintain the
extinguisher so that it remains fully operable. To fulfill this responsibility, there should be a program to provide for the
periodic inspection of each extinguisher and an effective distinguisher maintenance program

Fire extinguisher maintenance is a specialized activity and should be performed by competent persons. Fire
extinguishers provided to protect life and property and there should be no doubt as to their reliability in time of emergency.

The more common types of extinguishers that you may come in contact with are the following
1. Water
2. Carbon Dioxide
3. Dry Chemical
4. Dry Powder

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

CO2 is an inert gas that extinguishes fires by smothering rather than by cooling. The heat-absorbing
capacity of CO2 is very limited, being only 10 % that of water.

When CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid.
When it passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, the change takes place from a liquid to a gas
and the expansion chills it to low temperature.

Internal pressure generated by CO2 stored in a tank or cylinder is proportional to the temperature;
therefore, these extinguishers should not be placed in locations where heat is intense and they must be protected
from the direct rays of the sun during hot weather. At room temperature, the CO2 gas exerts a pressure of more
than 800 psi in the extinguishers. The high internal pressure at normal temperatures requires that container must
be made of heavy materials.

An empty 15-pound capacity extinguisher weighs approximately 35 pounds. The 15-pound hand
extinguisher and 50-pound hand-drawn wheel-type extinguisher are the most commonly used in firefighting
operation.

Dry-Chemical Extinguishers
 Various compounds of dry-chemical agents are used. Some of the more common ones are sodium
bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and an ammonium phosphate which is a multi-purpose agent. These agents
are chemically treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing.

This also helps prevent packing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry-chemical
extinguishers may be found in different sizes which range from 2 Y2 to 30 pounds. The 30-pound size is the most
common size used.

The extinguishers may be cartridge-operated or may be of stored- pressure type. The design of the
stored-pressure type is similar to the pressurized-water type.

Dry-Powder Extinguishers

These types of extinguishers are designed for use on Class D fires. Their sizes may vary from the small 1
lb., to the 350-pound wheeled type extinguishers. The 30-pound type is the most common type used in the U.S.
Air Force. The agents used I the extinguishers may be in powder or in granule form.

Using these agents on the wrong type of metal fire may result .in a serious explosion, release of toxic
gases, or both, thus endangering the users and others. One agent can be used on several types of metal fires,
while another agent van be used only on one specific type of metal fire. These agents are also treated to remain
water-resistive and free-flowing under stored conditions.