Basics of Fire Behavior

Learning Objectives
• Describe the difference between fire and combustion.
• Identify and describe the elements of the fire triangle.
• Identify and describe the elements of the fire tetrahedron.
• List and describe the different types of fire.
• List and describe the different stages of fire.
• List and describe methods used to extinguish fires.
• List and describe the classes of fire and their relationship to extinguishing agents.
Fire Triangle / Fire Tetrahedron

Fire Triangle Fire Tetrahedron

Diffusion Flame
Flame Types
Smoldering Flame
Spontaneous Combustion/Self-Heating
Premixed Flame
The Stages of Fire
• Incipient Stage
• Growth Stage
• Fully Developed Stage
• Smoldering/Decay Stage
Incipient Stage
Growth Stage
Fully Developed Stage
Smoldering/Decay Stage
Methods of Extinguishing Fires
• Cool the burning material.
• Exclude oxygen from the fire.
• Remove fuel from the fire.
• Interrupt the chemical reaction with a flame inhibitor.
Cool the burning material.
Exclude oxygen from the fire.
Remove fuel from the fire.
Interrupt the chemical reaction with a flame inhibitor.
Classes of Fire
Class A Fires and Extinguishing Agents
Class B Fires and Extinguishing Agents
Class C Fires and Extinguishing Agents
Class D Fires and Extinguishing Agents
Class K Fires and Extinguishing Agents
Europe and Australia fire classification
• Class A—Ordinary Combustibles
• Class B—Flammable Liquids
• Class C—Flammable Gases
• Class D—Combustible Metals
• Class E—Live Electrical Equipment
• Class F—Oil and Fats
Case Study
• While conducting a preplan of a sheet metal shop, you
document the building’s layout and various use areas, materials
used, storage arrangements, exits, and fire protection features.
The shop has a business office and areas for cutting and
welding, metal fabrication, painting, and shipping. The only fire
protection system in the building is a dry chemical system for
the paint booth. During your walkthrough, you observe an
oxyacetylene torch, metal shavings around the fabrication
equipment, flammable and combustible liquids, plastic pallets,
and paper products used for shipping.
1. Based on the information provided, what type of fire is
most unlikely to start at this facility?
• A. Diffusion flame
• B. Smoldering
• C. Spontaneous combustion
• D. Premixed flame
2. Which classification of fire is most unlikely to occur at
this
facility?
• A. Class D
• B. Class K
• C. Class B
• D. Class C
3. Which method would best extinguish a fire that started
in the metal fabrication area of the facility?
• A. Removing or interrupting the fuel supply
• B. Interrupting the chain reaction
• C. Cooling
• D. Oxygen reduction
4. If a fire were to start at this facility, which mechanisms
of heat transfer are most likely to spread the fire?
• A. Conduction and convection
• B. Conduction and radiation
• C. Convection and radiation
• D. Conduction, convection, and radiation