Unit 2

Fire: Prevention and Response

Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, the students must be able to

1. Enumerate the different kinds of fire,

2. Identify means to prevent and respond to fire under various situations, and
3. Create a fire evacuation plan.

Introduction

In the last two units, we have discussed natural hazards. While many of these hazards are
naturally occurring and cannot be controlled, there are hazards that happen because of the interactions
between people and the environment. Floods and landslides, for example, are not purely natural but
anthropogenic as well. This means that humans have contributed to or affected their emergence,
development, and impact. Some hazards are human-induced, usually due to errors, accidents, and
carelessness. In this unit, we focus on fire because of the frequency of its occurrence.

Fire can be considered as one of the most significant discoveries during the ancient times. When
it was discovered, it was for the purpose of giving heat. Eventually, our ancestors learned how to use it
for cooking. Later on, it contributed to the development of transportation, metalworking, and other
innovations. Today, fire is very much present in our daily life.

However, the fire we can consider as a friend because of its many uses can also be an enemy.
Errors and accidents involving electricity, chemicals, vehicles, and machines can lead to fire. Even
household items such as candles, matchsticks, and stoves can trigger this hazard.

Discussion

When fire breaks out accidentally, it can cause harm. Fire can be a hazard resulting from
lightning, earthquake, and volcanic eruption. When there is drought and the temperature is very high,
combustion easily takes place and can cause wildfire. Human-made conditions such as chemical
explosions, vehicular accidents, and electrical problems can also trigger.

Table 4.1 General Kinds of Fire, Causes, and Examples

Kinds of Fire Causes Examples
Fire triggered by natural hazard Earthquake Volcanic eruption 1. In development countries
Drought and very high temperature where the cooking gas is
distributed through
pipelines, massive fire can
erupt after an earthquake.
2. Wild fire may break out
 because if high
combustion condition.
3. Pyroclastic materials and
lava flow can burn
structures.
Fire triggered by human-made Transportation accidents Chemical 1. Cars burning because of
conditions explosion Faulty electrical overheating
connection. 2. Airplane crash
3. Overheating of electric
wiring
4. Shorting circuits
5. Explosion of cooking gas
Fire due to mismanagement Negligence Irresponsible handling of 1. Lightning candle left
fire unattended near
combustible materials
2. Lighted cigarette butts
thrown on combustible
materials
3. Explosion of firecrackers
on combustible materials
4. Overheating of kitchen
appliances (e.g., oven) due
to negligence
5. Too much fuel or soil used
in cooking.

From Fire Triangle to Fire Tetrahedron

We need to understand the nature of fire (also called combustion) and the chemical and
physical reactions involved to effectively manage it. The concept of fire used to be represented by the
Triangle of Combustion ( Figure 4.1 ) which shows the three components necessary to have fire: fuel,
heat, and oxygen.
Figure 4.1 Triangle of Combustion or the Fire Triangle

However, recent studies show that there must be a chemical chain reaction, the fourth
element. Thus, the Fire Tetrahedron ( Figure 4.2 ) is now used to describe the elements of fire. The
diagram establishes that

1. Oxygen is needed to sustain combustion,

2. There must be fuel or combustible material,
3. Sufficient heat is needed to raised the material to its ignition temperature, and
4. A chemical chain reaction should take place in the material.

Figure 4.2 Fire Tetrahedron

To extinguish the fire, one of the essential elements of the fire must be removed.

The Combustion Process

Fire or combustion is rapid oxidation at a very high temperature. Oxidation is a chemical process
where there is a loss of electrons. Going back to basic chemistry, we can recall that matter is composed
of atoms and atoms have electronic. Atom combine to form molecules. When there is transfer of
electrons from molecules of one matter to another, oxidation takes place. Oxidation happens ordinarily
like the rusting of iron or the metabolism of food in our bodies. However, what makes fire different is
the very rapid process of electronic transfer. When heat is added to fuel and oxygen, the molecules of
both fuel and oxygen gain energy and become very active. The molecular energy is transferred to other
fuel other oxygen gain energy and become very active. The molecular energy is transferred to other fuel
and oxygen molecules thus creating a chain reaction. As the fuel loses and the oxygen gains electrons,
the rapid electron transfer emits heat and light, sustaining the chemical chain reaction. Fire continues
until.

1. All the available fuel or oxidant has been consumed,

2. The fuel and / or oxygen is removed,
3. The temperature is reduced by cooling, and
4. The number of excited molecules is reduced, and the chain reaction is broken.

Source: Fire Safety Advice Center

Classes of Fire

There are five classes of fire, categorized according to the kind of combustible and flammable
fuels involved. These are as follows:

1. Class A fire – fires involving ordinary, combustible materials such as wood, paper, plastic, and
firecrackers.
2. Class B fire – fires involving flammable liquids and chemicals such as LPG.
 3. Class C fire – fires involving electricity.
4. Class D fire – fires involving metals.

Source: Bureau of Fire Protection, as citied by Carolino, 2014

Stages of Fire

Disastrous fire does not start huge, unless it is an explosion from a bomb, gas, or another
explosive. In a non-explosive situation, there are stages of fire which serve as the basis for the
management measure to be done.

1. Ignition stage. This is the first stage where fuel and oxygen are exposed to heat, resulting in a
sustained chemical reaction. At this stage, the fire can still be controlled by removing one of the
elements of fire. The fire can be controlled using a fire extinguished.
2. Growth. The initial flame becomes another source of heat and additional fuel ignites. The heat is
transferred through convection and radiation which ignited more combustible materials. If the
fire started at the floor, the plume now reaches the ceiling. The growth of the fire in hot gases
collected at the ceiling. This allows the transfer of heat, thus igniting all other fuels in the room.
3. Fully developed. With presence of more heat coming from the fire itself, the fire spreads and
consumes all available fuel. The temperature reaches its peak, and oxygen and other materials
are consumed rapidly.
4. Decay (burnout). When the fire consumes all available fuel, the temperature decreases. Since
the heat as an element of fire ceases, the fire gets less intense.

Fire spreads because of the transfer of heat energy from the flames. The transfer takes place
through conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction occurs when the heat passes
through direct contact with a solid material. Convection is the flow of fluid or gas from hot areas
to cooler areas. The fire causes the air to be heated so it rises. If inside the room, the rising hot
gases encounter the ceiling, thus heating the materials and spreading the fire. In radiation, heat
travels through electromagnetic waves. There is no object or gas through which the heat passed
through.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Fire Hazard Management

The management of fire hazards is best done through disaster reduction management. This
means that the risks have to be reduced through prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response,
and recovery. Table 4.2 presents the phases in fire hazard management and the example measures.

Table 4.2 Fire hazard Risk Reduction Measures

Fire Hazard Risk Reduction Phase Example Measures
Fire Prevention Management 1. Ensuring that the building design follows the
standard rules regarding fire safety like
having appropriate electrical system, fire
 exits, and sprinkler system.
2. Proper storage of materials that are
combustible, separating them from possible
source of heat.
3. Regular inspection of electrical wiring,
cooking equipment, electrical appliances
especially air conditioning units.
4. Securing fire insurance
Fire Preparedness 1. Having a fire contingency plan and a warning
system
2. Conducting fire education seminars and fire
drills
3. Having fire extinguishers
4. Following safety tips at home, in school, and
in other buildings
5. Setting evacuation areas and protocols for
evacuation
Fire Response 1. Controlling the fire immediately
2. Evacuating from the burning building
3. Conducting search and rescue operation
4. Providing first aid and medical service
5. Conducting relief operations
6. Following the safety tips when there is fire
Recovery from the Fire 1. Assessing damages and needs
2. Clearing debris
3. Retrieving documents and records retrieval
from other sources (It is best to have
redundancy filing of records through the
internet and in storage devices such as flash
drive and hard drives kept in different
places.)
4. Providing financial assistance

The Bureau of Fire Prevention under the Department of the Interior and Local Government
envisions a “modern fire protection agency working towards a safe and progressive society.” Its mission
is to “prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate its causes, provide emergency medical and
rescue services and other fire-related laws with active involvement of the community.” The agency has
produced informative and educational materials about fire prevention in different settings for this
purpose (DILG-BFD, 2015). Considering the relevance of their advocacy in preventing fire, the safety tips
are incorporated in this lesson to help you know what to do before, during, and after a fire.

Home Fire Prevention and Preparedness

(Source: DILG-BFP,2015i; DILG – BFP, n.d.)

Smoke Detectors

1. One is definitely not enough. Every home should not be equipped with smoke detectors on
every level, particularly outside the sleeping areas.
2. Ensure that your smoke detectors are tested monthly, and batteries are replaced twice a year.
Change their batteries when you change your clock’s batteries.
3. Encourage children to help test the smoke detectors. Familiarize them with the sound of the
alarm.

Fire Extinguisher

1. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

2. It is good idea to keep a fire extinguisher near the furnace, garage, and anywhere else a fire may
start. These extinguishers are affordable. Life-saving equipment for the home.
3. If you must use an extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way out in the event you can’t put
out the fire.
For video on how to use the fire extinguisher log on to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQV71INDaqY

At home

1. Place phone numbers of the nearest fire station right beside your phone.
2. Eliminate combustible materials through good housekeeping. Dispose waste such as paper,
rubbish, and other materials that can easily catch fire.
3. Keep matches out of children’s reach.
4. Oil or gas lamps and candles should be placed away from curtains. Put out the flame before
going to bed.
5. Do not put anything over a lamp. Things thrown over a lamp could catch fire.
6. Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol, and paint inside the house.
7. Always have a first-aid kit.

In the kitchen

1. Keep children out of the kitchen when you are cooking.

2. Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking with fat. Fat can set on fire easily. If the fat gets too hot
and starts to smoke, turn off the cooker and leave it to cool. Never put water onto a hot pan.
3. Never fill a pan more than one-third of fat oil.
4. Never leave a pan unattended while cooking or frying.
5. If the pan does catch fire:
a. Turn off the stove if it is safe to do so.
b. Immediately cover the burning pan.
c. If there is no cover available, use a damp towel big enough to cover the burning pan.
d. Never throw water into a burning pan.

Electricity
 1. If you put many plugs in one socket, it can start a fire. One plug in each socket is best. This is
very important for things that use a lot of electricity.
2. Do not overload electrical circuits by plugging additional lights and electrical appliances.
3. Regularly check your electrical installation and have all frayed wiring and electrical fixtures
changed or repaired by a licensed electrician.
4. Check for hot plugs or plugs with dark marks. Check for wires that are loosen or broken. If you
find any, take the plugs out of the socket.
5. Blown fuses should not be replaced with wire or nay materials.

Bedtime routine

1. Make sure that your electric stove or gas range is switched off.
2. Put out the fire of candles or gas/oil lamps.
3. Close the doors of all rooms.
4. Switch off the unplug electrical appliances.
5. Make sure no cigarette or pipes are still burning. Never smoke in bed.

Cigarettes

1. Cigarettes start a lot of fires. When you finish a cigarette, make sure it is out right before you
throw it to a bin.
2. Never leave a lit cigarette/cigar/pipe unattended. It may fall on flammable materials which
could start a fire.

Fire safety for high-rise apartment

High-rise apartments present special fire safety concerns. The added complications associated
with evacuating in a high-rise building means it is even more critical to be prepared for fire. Among the
most common causes are cooking, electrical systems, children playing with matches and arson.

Being prepared

in real life, you will be able to ensure not only your own safety but that of your family and
friends if you have prepared yourself beforehand.

1. Develop and practice an escape plan for the apartment.

2. Learn your building’s evacuation plan.
3. Learn the sounds of your building’s alarm system if it has one.
4. Know how far your apartment door is to the two nearest building exits.
5. Have emergency services number programmed into your phone.
6. Purchase a fire extinguisher and be sure you know how to use it.

If the fire is in your apartment

 1. Get everyone out. Stay low as you go out. Close doors as you leave.
2. Alert others on the floor by knocking on doors.
3. Activate fire alarm of there is one.
4. Go to the nearest stairway exit.
5. Go to the floor below the fire and call the Fire Brigade.
6. Do not use the elevator.

If the fire is not in your apartment

1. Feel the doorknob with the back of your hand for heat. If the door is hot, do not open it. If it is
cool, open slowly and check for smoke in the hallway.
2. Leave the building through the nearest stairway exit if it is safe to do so.
3. Do not use the elevator.
4. Assemble at your building’s assembly area.

If you are trapped in your apartment

1. Stay calm. There are things you can do to protect yourself.

2. Close all doors between yourself and the fire.
3. Go to the room that has a phone and call the Fire Brigade.
4. Tell the Fire Brigade exactly where you are in the building.
5. Go to the window and use a torch or bed sheet to attract the attention of firefighters.

Plan your escape route

If fire occurs in your home, you may have difficulty in getting out especially in dark areas.
Escaping from a fire will be lost easier if you have already planned your escape route.

1. Make sure that your planned escape route is free from any obstructions and that there is no
loose floor covering that could cause you to trip.
2. Everyone in the family should be aware of the escape route.
3. Plan two ways of getting out of every room, especially bedrooms. Make sure you can unlock and
open all windows and doors quickly, even in the dark.
4. Make special arrangements for children and persons with disability.
5. If you have a mobility problem, it is good to have a bedroom on the ground floor near a possible
exit.
6. Choosing a meeting place. Pick a safe and easy-to-remember spot outside your home where you
will meet your family after you get out.
7. Practice! How to escape from a fire should be practiced.

If clothing is caught by fire

1. Stop, drop, and roll.

2. Cover your face and mouth with your hands and roll over until the flames are out.
How to prevent a car fire

(Source: DILG-BFP 2015 ii)

1. Have your car serviced regularly and checked by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot
leaks or your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to
catch fire.
2. If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed.
Gas cans and profane cylinders should not be transported in the passenger compartment.
3. Never park a car where flammables such as grass are touching the catalytic converter (exhaust
tube).
4. Drive safely to avoid accidents.
5. Know the danger signs.
a. Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems, including fuse that blows more than once.
b. Oil or fluid leaks
c. Oil cap not securely closed
d. Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine temperature

Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparks plus leaking fluids are all it takes to
start a fire.

When your car is on fire

1. Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so. Be sure to use your signal light as you make your way to
a safe location off the road, such as a breakdown lane or a rest stop.
2. Once you have stopped, turn off the engine.
3. Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything.
4. Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and away from traffic.
5. Alert the authorities immediately.

Preventing accidents and fire during Christmas and New Year

(Source: DILG-BFP, 2014)

1. As much as possible, do not use firecrackers and fireworks. Use other materials to create noise.
2. If it cannot be prevented, buy firecrackers and fireworks from registered sellers and
manufacturers. Beware of fake firecrackers and fireworks that may not function properly, hence
causing accidents and destroying properties.
3. Do not store firecrackers and fireworks for a long period. If needed, store them in dry and closed
places that are far from potential source of flames such as vehicles, electricity, switches, cooking
areas, and the like.
4. Do not give or let children play with firecrackers and fireworks. Children using sparkles should be
supervised by an adult.
5. Do not light firecrackers near your house or any open building where the firecrackers can enter.
Do it at least 50 steps away form the house. Ask the barangay officials for the designated places
 where firecrackers can be used. Do not throw firecrackers anywhere, especially in places where
there are many people.
6. DO not light again any firecrackers that did not explode. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes after which
throw water on it.
7. Do not fly sky lanterns. They might cause fire when they fall.

Summary

The lesson discusses the following salient points.

1. While useful, fire is also considered a hazard. The kinds of fire are the following:
a. Fire triggered by natural hazards
b. Fire triggered by human – made conditions
c. Fire due to mismanagement
2. The Bureau of Fire Prevention under the Department of Interior and Local Government is the
county’s fire provide emergency. It aims to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate
their causes, provide emergency medical and rescue services, and enforce other fire-related
laws with active involvement of the community. The agency has other fire-related laws with
active involvement of the community. The agency has produced materials that educate public
about the fire prevention and mitigation.
3. Prevention is still the best way to be safe from the dangers of fire. Casualties and damages can
be reduced if we know what to do before, during and after a fire.