https://www.firesafe.org.

uk/portable-fire-extinguisher-general/

https://www.slideshare.net/hetvitrada/fire-fighting-system-in-buildings

Types of Water-Based Fire Systems

1. Sprinkler Systems

o Wet Pipe: Pipes are filled with water; immediately discharges when activated.
Common in offices, hospitals, etc.

o Dry Pipe: Pipes are filled with air; water only flows when activated. Suitable for
areas prone to freezing.

o Deluge: Open sprinklers release water over large areas when triggered by fire
detectors. Used in high-hazard areas.

o Pre-Action: Combination system that requires both detector and sprinkler

activation to release water. Ideal for sensitive areas like data centers.

2. Standpipe Systems

o Class I: For firefighters’ use with high-pressure outlets.

o Class II: Lower-pressure outlets for building occupants.

o Class III: Combines features of Class I and II for both firefighters and occupants.

3. Water Mist Systems

o Uses fine water droplets to suppress fires with minimal water damage.

o Suitable for sensitive areas, such as museums or computer rooms.

4. Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems

o Mixes water with foam to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids.

o Commonly used in fuel storage facilities and chemical plants.

5. Water Spray Systems

o Uses spray nozzles to target high-risk equipment (e.g., transformers).

o Designed for cooling specific hazards rather than large areas.

Advantages of Water-Based Fire Systems

• Effective for Most Fires: Especially for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles).

• Cost-Effective: Inexpensive and widely available.

• Environmentally Friendly: No harmful residue.

 • Easy Maintenance: Especially for wet pipe systems.

Limitations of Water-Based Fire Systems

• Limited to Certain Fire Types: Ineffective for electrical (Class C) or flammable liquid
(Class B) fires.

• Risk of Water Damage: Potential for damage in sensitive areas.

• Freezing Issues: Pipes may freeze in cold areas; dry systems are preferred in these
cases.

This point-wise format gives a concise overview of water-based fire systems and their pros and
cons.

Fire Tetrahedron

The fire tetrahedron is an advanced model that explains the elements necessary for a fire
to ignite and sustain. It includes four components:
 1. Heat: Provides the initial energy required for combustion.

2. Fuel: Any combustible material (solid, liquid, or gas).

3. Oxygen: Supports combustion, usually from the surrounding air.

4. Chemical Chain Reaction: Sustains the fire once it starts, enabling ongoing
combustion.

Removing any one of these four elements will extinguish the fire. This concept helps guide
fire suppression techniques based on which element needs to be eliminated.

Fire Detection Systems

Fire detection systems in buildings are essential for identifying fires early and enabling a
swift response. These systems can vary based on the type of detector and the fire risk
level. Common fire detection systems include:

1. Smoke Detectors

o Detect smoke particles and trigger an alarm when smoke is present.

o Types include ionization (best for detecting fast-flaming fires) and

photoelectric (better for slow, smoldering fires).

o Commonly used in residential and commercial spaces for general fire

detection.

2. Heat Detectors

o Respond to high temperatures or sudden temperature increases.

o Types include fixed temperature detectors (activate at a set temperature)

and rate-of-rise detectors (detect rapid temperature increases).

o Useful in areas with lots of smoke or dust where smoke detectors might
cause false alarms (e.g., kitchens, garages).

3. Flame Detectors

o Detect infrared or ultraviolet radiation produced by flames.

o Highly effective in high-hazard areas, such as chemical plants, refineries, or

storage facilities for flammable materials.

o Fast detection for open flames but can be costly.

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

o Detect carbon monoxide, a toxic byproduct of incomplete combustion.

o Useful in places like parking garages or locations with fuel-burning

equipment.

o Can supplement smoke detectors for added protection.

 5. Multi-Sensor Detectors

o Combine smoke, heat, and/or CO detection for more accurate fire

detection.

o Reduces the likelihood of false alarms by analyzing multiple factors.

o Ideal for large commercial buildings, offices, and complex spaces.

6. Manual Call Points (Pull Stations)

o Allow occupants to manually activate the fire alarm system.

o Typically located near exits or in accessible areas throughout the building.

o Essential for providing a manual option to alert others of a fire.

Fire-Fighting Equipment

Fire-fighting equipment is essential in any building to control and extinguish fires quickly. Here’s
an overview of commonly used equipment:

1. Fire Extinguishers

o Portable devices that discharge various suppression agents to control small

fires.

o Types include:

▪ Water Extinguishers: For Class A fires.

▪ Foam Extinguishers: For Class A and B fires.

▪ CO₂ Extinguishers: For electrical (Class C) and flammable liquid fires

(Class B).

▪ Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Multipurpose, suitable for Class A, B, and

C fires.

▪ Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Primarily for Class K fires, such as kitchen

grease fires.

2. Fire Hose Reels

o Provide a continuous supply of water to fight Class A fires.

o Found in larger commercial or industrial buildings, where additional reach and

water volume may be needed.

o Typically mounted in cabinets for easy access.

3. Fire Blankets

o Made from fire-resistant materials, designed to smother small fires or wrap

around individuals to protect them from flames.
 o Common in kitchens, laboratories, and areas with flammable liquids or gases.

4. Sprinkler Systems

o Automatically activate to release water over a fire, controlling or extinguishing it.

o Types include wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems, depending on
the building’s needs and fire risks.

o Essential for large buildings, warehouses, and high-occupancy spaces.

5. Standpipe Systems

o Provide firefighters with a reliable water supply on each floor of a building.

o Include high-pressure outlets for firefighters to connect hoses quickly and

access water on upper floors.

o Important in multi-story buildings and high-rise structures.

6. Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

o Systems such as gas suppression, foam suppression, or water mist systems

that automatically activate in response to fire detection.

o Used in sensitive areas like data centers, chemical storage rooms, or kitchens.

7. Fire Alarm Systems

o Although not used directly to extinguish fires, these systems play a critical role
by alerting occupants and triggering other fire safety mechanisms (e.g.,
sprinklers, evacuation protocols).

o Include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points connected to a
central control panel that activates alarms throughout the building.

Firefighting building services are critical systems integrated into buildings to prevent, detect,
and control fires, ensuring safety for occupants and protecting property. These services cover a
range of systems and technologies, typically including:

1. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

• Smoke Detectors: Detect the presence of smoke and trigger alarms.

• Heat Detectors: Sense abnormal heat levels that could indicate fire.

• Manual Call Points: Allow individuals to manually trigger fire alarms.

 • Alarm Panels: Centralized control panels that monitor and display fire
conditions in various building zones.

2. Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Sprinklers activate when they detect high temperatures or flames, releasing

water to control or extinguish the fire.

• Wet Pipe Systems: Filled with water and immediately discharge when activated.

• Dry Pipe Systems: Filled with pressurized air, used in areas where pipes may
freeze.

• Pre-action Systems: Combine features of both dry and wet systems, requiring
both fire detection and sprinkler activation.

3. Fire Extinguishing Systems

• Water-Based: Fire hydrants, standpipe systems, and hose reels that provide
water at high pressure.

• Chemical Suppression Systems: Use foam, gas, or dry chemicals for fires
involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

• Inert Gas and Clean Agent Systems: Designed for areas with sensitive
equipment, such as server rooms, to minimize water damage.

4. Smoke Control and Ventilation Systems

• Smoke Vents: Open automatically or manually to release smoke and heat.

• Smoke Curtains: Create barriers to direct smoke out of exit pathways.

• Pressurization Systems: Ensure stairwells and escape routes stay clear of

smoke.

5. Emergency Lighting and Signage

• Exit Signs: Indicate escape routes and exits.

• Emergency Lights: Illuminate paths and exits during power failure.

 • Floor Path Marking: Ensures visibility of exit routes even in low visibility due to
smoke.

6. Fire Doors and Compartmentation

• Fire-Resistant Doors: Prevent the spread of fire and smoke between building
zones.

• Firewalls: Compartmentalize areas to contain fire within a section of the

building.

• Dampers: Installed in ducts, close automatically to prevent fire and smoke from
spreading through HVAC systems.

7. Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel Systems

• Internal Hydrants and Hose Reels: Allow occupants or firefighters to manually

tackle fires in the initial stages.

• External Hydrants: Provide water supply access for fire department vehicles.

8. Evacuation and Communication Systems

• Public Address Systems: Announce instructions for safe evacuation.

• Two-Way Communication: For communication between occupants and

emergency personnel, especially in high-rise buildings.

9. Control and Monitoring Systems

• Building Management Systems (BMS): Integrate fire and life safety systems for
centralized monitoring and control.

• Firefighter Control Panels: Allow firefighters to take control of fire safety systems
during emergencies.

10. Maintenance and Testing

 • Routine testing, inspection, and maintenance are essential to ensure that all
firefighting systems function as expected in an emergency.

Together, these firefighting building services form an interconnected network designed to

detect, contain, and suppress fires, while enabling safe evacuation and aiding firefighting
efforts. These systems must comply with relevant fire codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, ISO, or
local regulations) to ensure the building’s fire safety.

(a) Fire Detection Systems Used in Buildings

Fire detection systems are essential for early identification of fire hazards, allowing for quick
evacuation and activation of firefighting measures. Common types include:

1. Smoke Detectors:

• Detect smoke particles in the air, which are often the first sign of fire.

• Types include ionization smoke detectors (effective for fast-flaming fires) and
photoelectric smoke detectors (better for smoldering fires).

2. Heat Detectors:

• Detect a rise in temperature or a high temperature in the area.

• Fixed temperature detectors activate at a specific temperature, while rate-of-rise

detectors respond to rapid temperature increases.

3. Flame Detectors:

• Detect infrared or ultraviolet radiation emitted by flames.

• These are often used in high-risk areas with potential for large, open flames, like
industrial or chemical sites.

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors:

• Detect carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning

materials.

• CO detectors are useful in identifying smoldering fires or fires in enclosed

spaces.

5. Multi-Sensor Detectors:

• Combine two or more types of sensors (e.g., smoke and heat) for more reliable
and faster detection.

• Useful in reducing false alarms while ensuring early detection.

6. Manual Call Points (Pull Stations):

 • Allow building occupants to manually raise an alarm by activating the call point.

• Usually located in accessible areas for quick response.

(b) Firefighting Equipment Used in Extinguishing Fires

Various firefighting equipment is used to control and extinguish fires. Key types include:

1. Fire Extinguishers:

• Portable devices for initial firefighting, available in different types for different fire
classes:

• Water extinguishers (for Class A fires involving wood, paper).

• Foam extinguishers (for Class A and B fires involving flammable liquids).

• CO₂ extinguishers (for electrical and flammable liquid fires).

• Dry powder extinguishers (for various fire types, including electrical).

• Wet chemical extinguishers (for cooking oil fires, or Class F fires).

2. Fire Hoses and Hose Reels:

• Provide a continuous water supply, suitable for larger fires where portable
extinguishers are insufficient.

• Usually connected to a water source like a hydrant or building’s plumbing

system.

3. Sprinkler Systems:

• Automatically release water when a certain temperature is reached.

• Common in commercial and industrial buildings, they control or extinguish fires

by spraying water over the affected area.

4. Fire Blankets:

• Made of fire-resistant material, fire blankets can be used to smother small fires,
particularly those involving cooking oil or clothing.

5. Fire Hydrants:

• Provide an accessible water source for firefighters, typically connected to

municipal water systems.

• Used to supply water directly or to fill fire hoses.

6. Standpipe and Hose Systems:

 • Standpipe systems provide pre-installed pipes that distribute water to hose
connections throughout the building.

• Often found in multi-story buildings, allowing firefighters to access water on

each floor.

7. Automatic Fire Suppression Systems:

• These systems release fire-suppressing agents (e.g., foam, dry chemicals, or

gas) automatically when a fire is detected.

• Often used in places with sensitive equipment, like server rooms or laboratories,
where water may cause damage.

Each of these firefighting tools and systems plays a role in controlling fires, protecting property,
and ensuring safety for occupants and emergency responders.