DRRR Quarter 2 – Module 7 Elements of the Fire Triangle

Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes of sparks, hot objects, and
chemicals that can ignite, or that can aggravate a fire to become large and
uncontrolled. Fire hazards also include all types of potential threats to fire prevention
practices, firefighting, built-in fire safety systems and situations that restrict the escape
of people from an affected building or area in the event of a fire. Fire hazards pose
threats to life and property. It is, therefore, the prime object of safety systems to detect,
remove or reduce the risk of fire threatened by these potential hazards.
Common Fire Hazards

The following fire hazards are common at home, in public places, transports

and work places:

• All types of flames used for any work

• Electric wires, higher loads, loose connections and old electrical equipment

• All cooking and heat generating appliances

• All works and situations where fire is essential such as welding, cutting, metal

casting, etc.

• Improper storage of tools, equipment and items during and at the end of the day’s

work

• Smoking and personal lighters and matches

• Fireworks, pyro-techniques, ammunitions (bullets) and explosives

• Improper and unauthorized storage of flammable and hazardous materials and

chemicals especially the flammable ones

• Insufficient capacity and numbers of emergency exits and stairs

• Hindrance to sight or reach firefighting equipment, markings and alarm systems

• Insufficient numbers and types of fire extinguishers

• Absence of fire detection and alarm system

• Violation of building and fire codes

Elements of the Fire Triangle

The fire triangle or combustion triangle is a simple model for understanding the

necessary ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire
needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). A fire naturally
occurs when the elements are present and combined in the right mixture, meaning the
fire is actually an event rather than a thing. A fire can be prevented or extinguished by
removing any one of the elements in the fire triangle. For example, covering a fire with
fire blanket removes the oxygen part of the triangle and can extinguish a fire.

The fire Triangle

Fuel

In order for a fire to start there must be a material to burn – and this is referred
to as the fuel. Fuel is any kind of combustible material, including paper, oils, wood,
gases, fabrics, liquids, plastics and rubber. The fuel for a fire is usually characterized
by its moisture content, size, shape and quantity and this will determine how easily the
fuel will burn and at what temperature.
Heat

In addition to a fuel source, heat must be present in order for ignition to take
place. All flammable materials give off flammable vapours which undergoes
combustion, when heat is present. Heat is also responsible for the spread and
maintenance of fire as it removes the mositure from nearby fuel, warming the
surrounding area and pre-heating fuel in its path, enabling it to travel and develop with
greater ease.
Oxygen

Aside from fuel and heat, fire also needs oxygen to keep burning. It acts as the
oxidizing agent in the chemical reaction. This means that when the fuel burns, it reacts
with the oxygen to release heat and generate combustion.

DRRR Quarter 2 – Module 8 Causes of Fires

March was designated as Fire Prevention Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 115-A s.
1966 signed on November 17, 1966 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. It is during this month that
the greatest number of fires occurs. From 2013 to 2017, Bureau of Fire Protection recorded a total of 77,
724 fire incidents or an average of 15, 545 fire incidents every year or 42 fire incidents a day. During the
period, the total estimated damage to property reached P23.273 billion or an average of P4.65 billion
every year. “Bureau of Fire Protection believes that prevention is the only way to save lives and
properties.” Most fire incidents in recent years are in residential areas, higher than in industrial or
commercial areas. The BFP noted that the top three causes of fires are still the same, with faulty
electrical connections as the leading cause. This was followed by lighted cigarette butts and open flames
due to torches or sulo (Cabrera, Romina, 2019).

Most Common Causes of Fire

1. Incendiarism (Arson) - malicious burning of property, using certain chemicals, bombs, etc., and
causing fire start.

2. Electrical Wiring

Causes of Faulty Wiring: outdated, damaged or poorly installed and unmaintained wiring
Sometimes our own actions, like multiple extension cords connected together or overloading electrical
outlets, also cause fire.
Detect a problem before a fire breaks out. Here are some warning signs you need to know and keep an
eye on:
3. Open Flames

Unattended burning candles or kerosene lamps that are placed near flammable/ combustible material
is a fire waiting to happen. Unattended cooking causes most fires in the homes that occur in the
kitchen. Oil or fat starting to smoke is near the combustion point and can ignite violently.

4. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG is liquid inside the container, but immediately transforms to the gaseous state when released. LPG
expands and contracts with changes in temperature. It is heavier than air in vapor form; it pushes out air
inside the room causing shortage of oxygen that might suffocate any person in that room.

5. Spontaneous Ignition

- occurs as a result of a chemical reaction within the material. It begins with spontaneous heating. Some
of the common materials that may spontaneously heat and ignite are animal oils, mixed fish oils, coal,
sawdust, hay, grain, and cotton.

6. Static Electricity

- involves the movement of electrons between two objects in contact with each other. Electrical charges
are produced on the objects when they are separated. If the charge builds up, it will develop enough
energy to jump as a spark to a nearby grounded or less highly charged object. This spark can ignite
flammable vapors, flammable gases or finely dispersed combustible solid materials.

7. Smoking

Careless smoking especially in bed is a leading cause of fire in the homes. In the Philippines, it is the
fourth leading cause of fire.

8. Electronics

Buying cheaply made, off-brand appliances, cables, charging cubes, Christmas lights, etc., has a high
possibility of overheating and ignition causing fire and burn hazards. Using such devices can also cause
electrocution and may even cost more in the long run.

DRRR Quarter 2 – Module 9 FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

Prevention is the first step in preparing and protecting your family for any fire emergency.
Following the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 (RA 9514) is on top of the list. It is
necessary that our dwellings should follow the safety standards set for fire prevention like having
common safety features in the building (fire hose, fire extinguishers, sprinkler system, emergency lights,
push bar and smoke detectors) and using fire proof materials for doors, windows and dividers that help
control fire.

Fire precautionary measures and proper procedures:

• Have a list of your local fire emergency hotlines. The 24-hour hotline for emergency

in the Philippines is 911 which was adopted from the United States

• Inspect wires for any signs of being chewed by rats

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look for possible hazards that might cause fire

• Unplug electrical devices

• Search for the source and shut it off- if you happen to smell leaking gas

In the instance that a fire has been detected, always remember to R-A-C-E.

R- RESCUE. -Rescue people who are in immediate danger ONLY if it is safe for you to do so.

A- ACTIVATE THE ALARM. - Call the emergency number for fire.

C- CONTAIN THE FIRE. - Close the doors and windows to delay the spread of fire.

E- EVACUATE. - Evacuate immediately by using the stairs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR!

PHASES OF FIRE

Ignition- first stage where heat, oxygen and fuel source combine and
yields to a chemical reaction. It is where smoke and heat is
produced. Breathing is barely affected.
Growth- known as the free burning phase wherein there is an
expansion of fire, depletion of oxygen supply and increase in
temperature.
Fully-developed- the hottest phase of a fire, all fuels have been
ignited and burning. In this phase, too much carbon
monoxide is present.
Decay- as fuel and oxygen are consumed, fire starts to diminish. This is
the longest stage of a fire.

How to use fire Extinguisher?

PASS
P- Pull the Pin in the handle.

A- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

S- Squeeze the lever slowly.

S- Sweep from side to side.

If your clothes catch fire, do not be frantic or attempt to run as it will fan the flame. Just STOP-
DROP-AND-ROLL. Stop running or moving, drop or lie down on the ground and cover your face, and roll
over to extinguish the flame. Putting a wet blanket over the person whose clothes catches fire can help
extinguish the flame. Never forget to apply first aid for burns upon putting out the fire.

Classes of Fire:

Fires can be classified according to the fuel or type of material that is

burning.
Class A fires- ordinary combustibles that produce ash after being burned.
Examples are paper, wood, cloth and plastic.
Class B fires- include liquids that boil when exposed to extreme heat like
gasoline, propane and other solvents.
Class C fires- involve charged electrical wirings or circuits.
Class D fires- are combustible metals like magnesium, lithium and titanium
Class K fires- cooking oils and fats.

DRRR Quarter 2 – Module 10 Basic Response Procedures to Fires

Basic Response Procedures to Fires

1. If inside a burning area

Once you hear a fire alarm, evacuate to a safe area right away. If you see fires, pull fire alarms
as you exit the area. Inform other people present in the area of the fire that is occurring.
If the fire is still small and can be extinguished, use an appropriate fire extinguisher. Usually,
normal fire extinguishers do the job, but if unavailable, buckets of water or damp cloths would do.
If the fire is already large and is rapidly spreading, immediately find the exit and exit the area.
Feel the air before the doors first to check if they are warm before opening them by placing the
back of your hand in the space about one inch from the door. Do not touch the door because you could
get burned if it is already too hot! If the air feels warm, do not attempt to open the door and proceed to
a different route.
Use the stairs not elevators. Close all windows and doors that you can reach as you exit.
If there is smoke, stay as low as possible. Cover your nose to prevent inhalation.
Once outside, move away from the exits and assemble in a safe area designated in the
evacuation plan or by the emergency response team.
2. If outside a burning area/structure, do the following:
A. Never go back until you are told by the fire department.
B. Immediately contact the nearest fire station and other emergency response numbers. (Always register
on your phone the contact number of your fire department.)
C. Listen and follow orders of the emergency response teams.
D. Organize or participate in a bucket of water relay.
3. If your clothes catch fire, do the “stop, drop, and roll” right away. Stop, drop, to the ground, and
cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
4. If you are unable to leave the area unscathed or you have suffered burns, immediately attend to it
depending on the degree of burns. Seek an emergency medical assistance if possible.
Bucket relay- is the transfer or pass the buckets filled with water or sand in sequential
order to extinguish the fire.
Combustion- is also called burning, it is a series of chemical reaction that produces
heat or fire.
Extinguish - to put out the fire
Fire – a process of combustion which is manifested in light, flame, and heat.
Fire extinguisher - is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control
small fires.
Unscathed - without suffering any injury, damage, or harm during or after fire incident.