NATURE OF FIRE

By: 2/O Niel Patrick F. Vera Cruz

 Topic1. Fire
Definition: Fire is a chemical reaction known as combustion,
involving oxygen and a fuel source .
Elements of Fire: Heat, Fuel, Oxygen, and Chemical Reaction (The
Fire Triangle)
Click here to add the text, the text is the extraction of your thought, please try to explain your point
of view as succinctly as possible.
Conditions required for fire to occur

• Fuel
• Oxygen
• Heat
• Chemical Chain Reaction
Fuel:
• Description: A combustible
material that can burn, such as
w o o d , p a p e r, g a s o l i n e , o r n a t u r a l
gas. Fuel provides the substance
that is oxidized in the fire.

• E x a m p l e : Wo o d i n a c a m p f i r e ,
gasoline in a car engine.
 Oxygen:
• Description: Fire requires an oxidizing agent, which is typically oxygen from the air.
Oxygen supports the combustion process by reacting with the fuel.

• Example: The 21% of oxygen present in the atmosphere is usually sufficient for most fires.
 Heat

Description: Sufficient heat is required to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature. This initial
heat can be provided by a spark, match, lightning, or friction.

Example: The heat from a match ignites paper

Chemical Chain Reaction

Example: The ongoing combustion process in a

burning log, where each reaction generates
Description: Once a fire starts, it must sustain enough heat to ignite the next layer of fuel.
itself through a series of exothermic chemical
r e a c t i o n s . T h e c h a i n r e a c t i o n r e l e a s e s e n e r g y,
which maintains the temperature and keeps the
fire burning.
These four elements together create the
conditions necessary for fire to occur. If
any one of these elements is removed,
the fire will be extinguished.
 Classes of Fires
• Fires are categorized into different classes based on the type of fuel
involved. Understanding these classes is crucial for choosing the
appropriate method to extinguish a fire. Here are the main classes of fire:
Class A: Ordinary Combustibles
• Description: Fires involving common combustible materials like wood,
paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics.

• Example: A fire in a pile of wood or paper.

• Extinguishing Method: Water or foam can be used to cool and extinguish

these fires, as they primarily require the removal of heat.
 Class B: Flammable Liquids
and Gases
• Description: Fires fueled by flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil,
grease, tar, oil-based paints, and flammable gases like propane or butane.

• Example: A gasoline fire at a gas station.

• Extinguishing Method: Foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO2)

extinguishers are used to smother the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply
or interrupting the chemical reaction.
 Class C: Electrical Equipment
• Description: Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as wiring,
circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

• Example: A fire in an electrical panel or a short-circuited appliance.

• Extinguishing Method: Non-conductive extinguishing agents like CO2 or

dry chemical are used. Water should never be used as it conducts
electricity and can cause electrocution.
 Class D: Combustible Metals
• Description: Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium, titanium,
potassium, and sodium.

• Example: A fire in a laboratory where magnesium is being worked on.

• Extinguishing Method: Special extinguishing agents like dry powder are

used to smother the fire, as water and other common extinguishing
methods can exacerbate these fires.
Class K: Cooking Oils and Fats
• Description: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, typically found in
commercial kitchens.

• Example: A fire in a deep fryer filled with cooking oil.

• Extinguishing Method: Wet chemical extinguishers are used, as they cool

the flames and create a barrier between the oil and the oxygen. These
extinguishers are specifically designed for high-temperature grease fires.
Summary of Extinguishing
Methods
• :

• Class A: Water, Foam

• Class B: Foam, CO2, Dry Chemical

• Class C: CO2, Dry Chemical (non-conductive agents)

• Class D: Dry Powder (special agents)

• Class K: Wet Chemical

 Each class of fire requires a specific
approach for safe and effective
extinguishment, making it crucial to
identify the class before attempting to put
out the fire
 Topic 2. Flammable materials, fire
hazards, and general safety practices to
help prevent and manage fires
effectively:
 Flammable Materials
• Flammable materials are substances that can easily ignite and burn when
exposed to a source of heat, flame, or spark. These materials are divided
into several categories:
 1. Flammable Liquids:
• Description: These are liquids that can catch fire at relatively low
temperatures, typically below 100°F (37.8°C).

• Examples: Gasoline, ethanol, acetone, and kerosene.

• Hazard: Vapors from flammable liquids can form explosive mixtures with
air.
 2. Flammable Solids:
• Description: These are solid materials that can ignite through friction, heat,
or chemical reactions.

• Examples: Matches, magnesium, sulfur, and certain plastics.

• Hazard: Can cause intense fires that are difficult to extinguish

 3. Flammable Gases:
• Description: Gases that can burn when mixed with air and exposed to an
ignition source.

• Examples: Propane, butane, hydrogen, and acetylene.

• Hazard: Flammable gases can explode if leaked and ignited in a confined

space.
 Fire Hazards
• Fire hazards are conditions or materials that increase the likelihood of a
fire starting or spreading. Recognizing these hazards is key to fire
prevention.
 1. Electrical Hazards:
• Examples: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, malfunctioning electrical
equipment.

• Risk: Electrical sparks or short circuits can ignite nearby flammable

materials
 2. Combustible Clutter:
• Examples: Piles of paper, rags, sawdust, or other combustible materials
stored carelessly.

• Risk: Provides fuel for fires and can block escape routes
 3. Improper Storage of
Flammable Materials:
• Examples: Storing flammable liquids near heat sources or in unventilated
areas.

• Risk: Increases the risk of accidental ignition and fire spread

 4. Open Flames:
• Examples: Unattended candles, fireplaces, or stoves.

• Risk: Can ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to a fire.

Topic 3. General Safety Practices
• Adopting general safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of fire
and help ensure safety in both residential and workplace settings.
 1. Proper Storage:
• Action: Store flammable materials in approved containers and keep them
away from heat sources.

• Tip: Use fireproof cabinets for storing chemicals and ensure that lids are
securely closed
 2. Electrical Safety:
• Action: Regularly inspect electrical wiring and equipment for damage.

• Tip: Avoid overloading outlets and use surge protectors.

 3. Fire Extinguishers:
• Action: Keep appropriate fire extinguishers accessible in key areas, such
as the kitchen, garage, and workplace.

• Tip: Ensure that everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher (PASS
method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
 4. Smoke Alarms:
• Action: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home or workplace.

• Tip: Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year
 5. Safe Use of Open Flames:
• Action: Never leave open flames unattended and keep them away from
flammable materials.

• Tip: Use fireguards on fireplaces and extinguish candles before leaving the
room
 6. Emergency Planning:
• Action: Develop and practice a fire evacuation plan with all household or
team members.

• Tip: Identify multiple exits from each room and designate a meeting spot
outside.
 7. Regular Maintenance:
• Action: Maintain heating systems, chimneys, and fuel-burning appliances
regularly to prevent buildup of flammable residues.

• Tip: Have professionals inspect and clean chimneys and furnaces annually.
 By understanding flammable materials,
recognizing fire hazards, and implementing
safety practices, the risk of fire can be
significantly minimized, creating a safer
environment for everyone.
 Topic.4 Responce to the Fire
emergency situation
• Dealing with a fire onboard a ship requires quick and precise actions due to the
unique environment and the potential for rapid fire spread. Here’s a detailed
guide on the steps to take upon discovering a fire onboard a ship:
 1. Raise the Alarm
• Sound the Alarm: Immediately activate the ship’s fire alarm system to alert
the entire crew. This is often done by pressing the nearest fire alarm button
or using the ship's general alarm system.

• Shout "Fire": Verbally alert nearby crew members if the alarm system is not
within immediate reach.
 2. Inform the Bridge
• Report the Fire: Quickly contact the ship’s bridge via the internal
communication system (e.g., phone, intercom, or radio). Provide clear
information about:

• The exact location of the fire.

• The type of fire (e.g., electrical, oil, cargo).

• The severity and extent of the fire.

• Follow Instructions: The bridge will coordinate the emergency response

and may give specific instructions depending on the situation.
3. Attempt to Extinguish the Fire (If
Safe)
• Assess the Situation: Determine if the fire is small enough to be tackled
with a portable fire extinguisher or fire hose. If it's too large or spreading
rapidly, focus on containment and evacuation.
 • Use the Appropriate Extinguisher:

• Class A (Combustibles): Use water or foam extinguishers.

• Class B (Flammable liquids): Use foam, dry powder, or CO2 extinguishers.

• Class C (Electrical): Use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers.

• Firefighting Equipment: Use fire hoses, extinguishers, and other

firefighting equipment available on the ship.

• Close Ventilation: Shut off ventilation systems to the affected area to

prevent oxygen from feeding the fire.
 4. Contain the Fire
• Close Doors and Hatches: Seal off the affected area by closing fire doors
and hatches to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the ship.

• Use Fire Dampers: Close fire dampers in the ventilation system to isolate
the fire area and prevent smoke and flames from spreading through the
ducts.
5. Muster at Emergency Stations
• Head to Muster Stations: If the fire is not immediately controllable, go to
your assigned muster station as per the ship’s emergency procedures.

• Prepare for Emergency Roles: All crew members should be prepared to take
on their emergency duties, whether that involves firefighting, operating
lifeboats, or assisting passengers.
6. Follow the Ship's Emergency Procedures
• Fire Party Deployment: The designated firefighting team (fire party) will be
deployed to combat the fire. Support their efforts by following their
instructions and assisting if required.

• Backup Teams: Additional crew members should be on standby to relieve

the initial firefighting team or to assist with other emergency tasks.
 7. Report to the Bridge
• Update the Situation: Continuously inform the bridge of the status of the
fire and any changes. This helps the officers in charge to make informed
decisions.

• Request Assistance: If the fire is beyond control, the bridge may decide to
issue distress signals and request assistance from nearby ships or
maritime rescue services.
 8. Prepare for Possible
Abandonment
• Prepare Lifeboats and Liferafts: If the fire cannot be contained and poses a
threat to the ship’s integrity, the order to abandon ship may be given.

• Assist Passengers: If there are passengers onboard, crew members should

assist them in donning life jackets and preparing to evacuate.

• Follow Abandon Ship Procedures: Ensure that everyone is accounted for

and proceed to abandon ship only on the Captain’s command.
 9. Evacuate and Abandon Ship (If
Necessary)
• Evacuation: If abandoning ship, do so in an orderly manner, following the
ship's evacuation plan.

• Muster and Roll Call: After abandoning ship, conduct a roll call in lifeboats
or liferafts to ensure everyone is present and safe
 10. Post-Fire Actions
• Damage Assessment: Once the fire is extinguished or the situation is under
control, assess the damage and report it to the bridge.

• Investigation: Participate in a debrief or investigation to determine the

cause of the fire and review the effectiveness of the emergency response.

• Restoration: Begin restoration of affected areas and firefighting systems as

soon as it is safe to do so.
 Important Note: Fire drills should be
conducted regularly onboard ships to
ensure that all crew members are familiar
with these procedures and can respond
effectively in an emergency.
Topic 5. Various firefighting agents or media
are used to combat different types of fires,
each suited to specific classes of fires and
fire scenarios. Here’s an overview of the
most common firefighting agents:
 1. Water
• Description: The most common firefighting agent, water cools the fire and
removes heat from the combustion process.

• Uses: Effective against Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood,

paper, and textiles).

• Limitations: Should not be used on Class B (flammable liquids) or Class C

(electrical) fires, as it can spread the fire or cause electrical shocks
 2. Foam
• Description: Foam forms a blanket over the fuel, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing vapor
release.

• Types:

• Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF): Effective for Class A and Class B fires, particularly flammable
liquids.

• Alcohol-Resistant AFFF: Designed for fires involving polar solvents like alcohols.

• Uses: Effective on Class A and Class B fires.

• Limitations: Not suitable for Class C fires (electrical) unless the power is cut off
 3. Dry Chemical Agents
• Description: These agents interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire by coating the fuel with a thin
layer of fine powder.

• Types:

• Monoammonium Phosphate: A multipurpose dry chemical effective on Class A, B, and C fires.

• Sodium Bicarbonate: Effective on Class B and C fires.

• Potassium Bicarbonate (Purple-K): Particularly effective on Class B fires.

• Uses: Effective on Class A, B, and C fires depending on the chemical type.

• Limitations: Can leave residue that may damage sensitive equipment or machinery.
 4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Description: CO2 displaces oxygen and cools the fire. It is stored as a compressed gas and is
released as a cold, dense fog.

• Uses: Effective on Class B and C fires.

• Advantages: Leaves no residue, making it ideal for use in areas with sensitive equipment (e.g.,
electrical rooms, server rooms).

• Limitations: Ineffective on Class A fires as it does not provide a cooling effect sufficient to prevent
re-ignition.
 5. Wet Chemical
• Description: Wet chemical agents create a foam layer when they react with burning oils and fats,
which cools the fire and prevents re-ignition.

• Uses: Primarily used for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats).

• Applications: Commonly found in commercial kitchens, particularly in areas with deep fryers.

• Limitations: Not suitable for Class A, B, or C fires.

 6. Halons and Clean Agents
• Description: Halons are chemicals that interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire. They have been
largely replaced by environmentally friendly alternatives known as clean agents, such as FM-200
or Novec 1230.

• Uses: Effective on Class B and C fires.

• Advantages: Clean agents leave no residue and are safe for use in areas with electronics and
sensitive equipment.

• Limitations: Halons have been phased out due to their ozone-depleting properties.
 7.Dry Powder (for Metal Fires)
• Description: Special dry powders are used to extinguish fires involving combustible metals like
magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

• Types:

• Graphite: Forms a crust that smothers the fire.

• Sodium Chloride: Absorbs heat and smothers the fire.

• Uses: Effective on Class D fires (combustible metals).

• Limitations: Not effective on other classes of fires.

 8. Water Mist
• Description: Water mist systems use fine droplets of water to cool the fire and reduce the oxygen
available for combustion without the risk of water damage.

• Uses: Effective on Class A and some Class C fires, especially in areas where water damage needs
to be minimized (e.g., museums, historical buildings).

• Advantages: Safe for use around electrical equipment if specifically designed for that purpose.

• Limitations: Less effective on Class B fires.

 9. Fire Extinguishing Gels
• Description: Gels are applied to surfaces to provide a protective barrier against fire. They absorb
heat and prevent ignition.

• Uses: Used primarily in wildfire situations to protect buildings or in industrial settings.

• Limitations: Not typically used for immediate firefighting but rather for fire prevention.
 10. Inert Gases (e.g., Nitrogen,
Argon)
• Description: Inert gases suppress fire by reducing the oxygen concentration in the air to a level
that cannot support combustion.

• Uses: Used in fixed fire suppression systems in places like data centers and archives.

• Advantages: Safe for use in areas with sensitive electronic equipment.

• Limitations: Requires a sealed environment to be effective

 These firefighting agents are chosen based on
the class of fire they are best suited for and the
specific circumstances of the fire. Proper
training and knowledge of these agents are
essential for effective fire suppression and
safety.
THANKS