Origin of fire

In Persian literature fire was discovered during a fight of a hero with dragon. A stone
that the hero used as a weapon missed the monster and struck a rock. Light stone forth
and human being saw fire for the first time.

In Greek Mythology, PROMETHEUS was bestowed with godlike powers when he stole
god’s fire it to humanity.

Fire is one of the four classical elements, as well as one of the five Chinese elements.

Fire and burning have often been used in religious rites and symbolism, as the smoke of
the fire disperses into heavens.

Historical background
The earliest used of fire by humans may be occurred as early as 1.4 milllion yrs ago.
Evidence for this was found in Kenya a mound of burned clay near animal bones and
crude stole stools, suggesting possible human camp site . however, this fire could have
resulted from natural causes. HOMO ERECTUS a species of human who lived from
about 1.8 million to 30,000 years was the first to use fire on a regular basis.

Scientist also found evidence of tended hearts dating back as many as 400,000 years in
several parts of France.

HOMO ERECTUS was the first human species to leave equatorial Africa in large
numbers and spread to other continents. Many scientist believe that the use of fire
enables homo erectus to adopt to new environments by providing light, heart and
protection from dangerous animals.
Fire may lighten family groups as the families congregated around s fire to protect their
young. Homo erectus may have used fire to cook food.
PERSONALITIES

1. JOHN WALKER- an English pharmacist who invented first match in 1827

2. ANTOINE LAVOISER- a frence chemist who proved in 1777 that burning is the
result of rapid union of oxygen with other substance.
3. THOMAS ALVA EDISON- an American inventor who was able to send an
electric current through a carbon filament (wire) until the filament become so hot
that give off light
4. CAPT. F.R DORGE 1st chief of manila fire station
5. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN union fire company
6. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE 1st known professional fire fighter in 1810, known as
Sapeu-Pompiers from French army
7. RICHARD NEWSHAM fire engine
8. JAN VAN DER HEYDEN DUTCH who invented fire hotse
9. AUGUSTUS Roman Emperor who is credited of instituting a corps of fire
brigade-vigiles (watchmen) in 24 B.C
10. WILLIAM M HASSLER developed a relatively new theory that better explains
combustion and extinguishments. This concept helps explain the action of some
agents such as dry chemical and halons that the fire triangle cannot accurately
present. Hassler called this theory the tetrahedron of fire which converts the
triangle into four sided figure resembling a pyramid
11. WILHELM STEKEL - noted that there are three types of fire setters whose acts
have been a sexual roots and who may be found among pyromaniacs;
*those who are sexually axcited by hatching fire;
* those who uses fire as a defense, setting fires during a period of enforce sexual
abstinence
* those who uses fire setting as a total sexual substitute, to free setter from a
undesirable sexual habit.
12. COMFORD JJ. AND BIRKLY, M. introduced a method for the measures of smoke
and HCI evolution from PIIL
13. PAUL B WESTON AND KENNETH M wells authored criminal investigation about
arson cases. They observe that in arson cases the victim or suspect or both may
sustain fire injuries. such injuries should be recorded by photography if possible and
must be verified by a medical examination and diagnosis
The chemistry of fire
Fire is the heat and light that comes from substances produced by the combustion o
substance. Fire is also defined as the heat and light resulting from rapid oxygen or in
some cases gaseous chlorine, with other material. When a substance burns heat and
light are produced. It is the rapid oxidation of combustible materials accompanied by a
release of energy usually in the form of heat and light. The light is in the form of flame in
which is composed of glowing particles of the burning materials and certain gaseous
product that are luminous at the temperature of the burning materials.
Combustion is action which produces heat and (often) light. It is the rapid oxidation of
material.
Oxidation is the chemical reaction in which oxygen chemically combines with the
organic elements of combustible substance. Fire is usually through of as a result of
rapid combustion.

FIRE HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY TWO PRINCIPAL METHODS

1. FRICTION METHOD raises the temperature of combustible materials to ignition

temperature.
In friction method, two pieces of wood surrounded by combustible material are
rubbed together until the ignition temperature is reach.

 Stick groove method- a stick is rubbed in a groove in another piece of wood.

 Fire drill method – a stick is rotated rapidly in a pit is a stationary piece of wood.
The stick is rotated by ribbing it between the palms of the hands or by moving
back and forth a wooden bow whose string is wrapped the stick.

2. PRECUSSION METHOD produces a spark to set kinding fire.

In precussion method, fire is produced by striking together two pieces of flint or
by striking flint against pyrate. Later, steel was substituted for the pyrate. The flint
and steel method prevailed throughout the civilized world until about 1827, when
matches came into use.

With matches, friction is used to hit the tip of the match to the point at which
chemicals in the match head ignite.

Fire may also produce by using lens or curved reflector to concentrate the rays of
the sun on combustible material.
THE THREE ELEMENTS OF FIRE;

HEAT - a form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy,
as in combustion or burning.
Heat sources;
1. Open flame 4. Electrical circuit
2. sparks 5. hot surfaces
3. friction 6. all source of ignition

OXYGEN – a colorless, odorless gas and one of the composition of air which is
approximately 21% by volume.
Oxygen sources; Oxygen requirements;

1. 21% of normal oxygen 1. 12% no fire

2. 78% of nitrogen 2. 14% flash point
3. 1% of other gases 3. 21% fire point

FUEL – any substance which react chemically with oxygen and produces flames
Fuel sources;
1. Solid – molecules are closely packed together
2. Liquid – molecules are loosely packed
3. Gas molecules are free to move

THE THEORY OF COMBUSTION

THE THEORY OF COMBUSTION

1. FIRE TRIANGLE – the graphical representation of the three elements of fire
namely: Oxygen, heat, and fuel. Each side is just as important as either of the two
sides. There cannot be fire without all three parts present at the same time.

Using his theory, there are three ways to extinguish fire:

1. Remove the fuel
2. Cut – off the oxygen
3. Reduce the temperature
 Heat – a form of energy measured in degree of temperature, the product of
combustion that cause the spread of fire. For a fire to start there must be a source of
ignition, usually heat of spark. Heat sources include: open flame, hot surfaces, sparks
and arcs, friction-chemical action, electrical energy and compression of gases.

 Oxygen – a colorless and odorless gas and one of the composition of air that
supports fire which is approximately 21% by volume. Oxygen – A source of oxygen
indeed. Approximately 16% is required. Normal air contains 21% oxygen. Some
contains enough oxygen within their makeup to support burning.

 Fuel – any substance/combustibles which reacts chemically with oxygen and

produces flames. For a start of fire there must be something to burn. The physical state
of the fuel may be gases (natural gas, propane, butane, hydrogen etc.); liquids
(gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, alcohol, paint, varnish, lacquer, etc.); or solid (coal,
wood, paper, cloth, grease, etc.).

2. FIRE TETRAHEDRON - the fire triangle theorem describes the three elements
of fire as shown in Figure 1. Another explanation of the requirements of combustion
uses a four – sided called Tetrahedron. Both theories are used to explain causes fire.
The fourth element of the tetrahedron explanation is known as chemical reactivity, or
a chemical reaction.

Oxygen ( Oxidizing agent ) material/substance that yield oxygen or oxidizing gases

during the process of a chemical reaction. Oxidizers are not themselves combustible,
but they support combustion when combined with fuel. For purpose of discussion, the
oxygen in the air in the surrounding area is considered the primary oxidizing agent.

 Fuel ( Reducing agent ) – material or substance that being burned in the

combustion process. The fuel in the combustion reaction is known as the reducing
agent. Most common fuels contain carbon along with combinations of hydrogen and
oxygen.
 Heat ( Temperature ) – the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat
comes in contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion process. A form of
energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy, as in combustion
or burning.

 Self Sustained Chemical Reaction – (the fourth element) – a series of events that
occur in sequence with the result of each individual reaction being added to the rest.

 Types of energy

Chemical Energy:
The most common source of heat in combustion reactions. An energy released as a
result of chemical reaction such as combustion. When any combustibles is in contact
with oxygen oxidation occurs.
Examples:
a) Heat generated from a burning match
b) Self-heating (spontaneous heating)

Electrical Energy:
An energy developed when electrons flow through a conductor. Electrical energy can
generate temperatures high enough to ignite any combustibles materials near the
heated gases.

Factors involving Electrical Heating:

a) Current flow through a resistance

b) Arcing
c) Sparking
d) Static
e) Lightning
Clear Energy
An energy generated when atoms either split apart (fission) or combine (fusion).
Nuclear power plants generate power as a result of the fission or Uranium-235
Examples:
a) Fission heats water to drive steam turbines and produce electricity
b) The solar energy is a product of a fusion reaction (a form of nuclear energy)
Mechanical Energy:
An energy created by friction and compression.

Heat of Friction – the movement two surfaces against each other. This movement
produced sparks being generated.

Heat compression- heat is generated when a gas is compressed in a container or

cylinder.
Energy exist in two ways:
a.) Potential energy- an energy possessed by an object that can be released in the
future.
b.) Kinetic energy- an energy possessed by a moving object.

D. STAGES OF FIRE
Phases of burning/ The Three Stages of fire;
a.) INCIPIENT/BEGINNING PHASE- The initial stage of fire.
Characteristics;
1. Normal room temperature
2. Oxygen plentiful
3. Thermal updraft rise, accumulates at higher point.
4. Flame of temperature of 10000 degree Fahrenheit.
5. Producing pyrolysis products: water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and
other gases.

b.) FREE- BURNING-PHASE- The second phase of burning in which materials or

structure are burning in the presence of adequate oxygen.
 Characteristics:
1. Fire has involved more fuel
2. Oxygen supply is depleted
3. Heat accumulates at upper area
4. Temperature exceeds 1,300 degree Fahrenheit
5. Area is fully involved
C. SMOLDERING – the final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smoke
and heat completely fill the confined room.

Characteristics
1. Flames may die and leave only glowing ember or superheated fuel under
pressure with little oxygen.
2. Intense heat will vaporized lighter fuel components, such as hydrogen and
methane, increasing the hazard
3. Temperature throughout building is very high and normal breathing is not
possible
4. Oxygen deficiency may cause backdraft

E. CLASSES OF FIRE

a. CLASS A - a materials involving vegetables fibers, wood, paper straw, grain,

and grass; combustible minerals such as coal and coke. Nearly all trash fire is
considered Class A.
b. Class B – materials including petroleum products such as gasoline, fuel oils,
lubricating oils and greases; animal fats such as butter, lard; vegetables
extract such as alcohol, linseed oil, and turpentine; natural gases and
compressed gases such as butane, propane, hydrogen, and acetylene.
c. Class C – these fires involves electrical motors, electrical appliances and
apparatus.
d. Class D – these materials involving combustible metals, alloys, or metal
compounds, either in a solid, or semi – solid or liquid state. They may further
reduce in shavings, grindings, granules, or dust. Some liquid metals are kept
in a liquid state under pressure. Usually these liquid metals are extremely
dangerous. Some of the more unusual metals are: Sodium, Magnesium,
Titanium, Sodium Potassium, and Uranium.
 F. FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL AND EXTINGUISHMENT

Fire suppression means slowing down the rate of burning whereas, control
keeping the fire from spreading or holding the fire to one area. Extinguishment,
of course, means putting the fire completely out.
How each of the Four Methods of Fire Extinguishment Works:
Under the triangle – of – fire – concept, there are three (3) ways of suppressing,
controlling and extinguishing a fire, namely:
1. Cooling
2. Smothering
3. Separation
Extinguishing a fire is somewhat comparable to the elimination of life.
For example, the cooling of the fire may be compared to asphyxiation (elimination of the
oxygen supply), and separation may be compared with malnutrition or starvation. The
tetrahedron concept adds a fourth element – chemical reaction.
Cooling
The cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is
heat absorption. Water is the best general cooling agent for firefighting purposes. Used
in Class A fires, the water absorbs the heat generated at the surface of the burning
material, thus reducing the temperature of the material below its flash point. As with a
Class A fire, the water absorbs much of the heat, reducing the vaporization rate of the
liquid fuel.
Smothering
This includes the oxygen from the fuel so that gases or vapors of the fuel cannot
ignite and continue the combustion. CO2 foam (AFFF) are used for this purpose.
Separation
The removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a valve in a gas line
prevents are fuel and oxygen from coming together. If fuel is not available, then heat,
regardless of the temperature, cannot affect the fuel. Therefore, there is no fire.

Chemical Chain Reaction

The fourth method of extinguishment is known as inhibition or the interruption of
chemical reaction.
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
The effectiveness of an extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the amount
and type of agent in the extinguisher. Different extinguishing agents can be used to put
out a certain class of fire by one or more methods:
1. Removing oxygen
2. Removing heat
3. Removing the fuel; and
4. Interrupting the chemical chain reaction

The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the Class of fire they
used, and the extinguishing methods used:
a. WATER – used only on Class A fires. Water is most effective cooling in cooling
the burning material below its ignition temperature. It is the most commonly used
agent in firefighting. In its natural state, it is highly stable and may be used to
extinguish most types of fire if properly applied. Due to its conductive properties,
water should not be used on electrical wires.

b. CARBON DIOXIDE – a number of its properties make carbon dioxide a desirable

extinguishing agent. It is non – combustible and non – reactive with most
substances. CO2 also provides is pressure for discharge from storage cylinders
or extinguishers. Being a gas, carbon dioxide can penetrate and spread to all
parts of life.

Extinguishment with CO2 is primarily smothering it. It covers the burning

materials and reduces oxygen content to below levels needed for combustion.

CO2 is very effective for use on Class C fires. Always use caution around CO2,
as it can cause unconsciousness and death in connections needed or
extinguishment. A 9% concentration is about all most person can take without
becoming unconscious within just a few minutes.
c. DRY CHEMICAL – the dry chemical extinguishing agents in use today are
mixtures or powders and various additives that improve the storage, flow, and
water repellency of the powders.

Flames go out almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire
area. But the exact chemistry and mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not
fully known.

It has suggested the dry chemical agents inhibit the chain reaction in the
combustion zone has a greater effect I the extinguishment than the smothering or
cooling actions and radiations shielding have.
 d. DRY POWDER – dry powder is generally accepted term for agents used to
extinguish combustible metal fire.

Dry powder generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible
metal. Primarily used only on Class D fires and should not be used on other
types of fire, due to its limited value on these fires.

e. AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Foam has replaced protein foam for all around
firefighting purposes. Used for smothering.

The quick “knock-down” and “heat reduction” properties of AFFF have proven it
to be a highly effective agent. These properties, combined with its ability to seal
the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent “flashback”, make it an
outstanding extinguishing agent with which to work. When AFFF is applied to the
surface of a flammable liquid fire, the surface active material provides a vapor
sealing effect. This not only extinguishes the fire but also prevents the release
fuel vapors which could result in flashback.
It is used primarily on Class B fires.

f. HALONS – halogenated agents work chemically to extinguish fire. They stop

combustion process by breaking the fire chain reaction and prevent further fire
propagation. The chemical fire – stopping action happens with only a low
concentration of halogenated agent.

Halogenated agents are very effective on Class B and Class C fires and have
some effects or success on Class A fires.

G. FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Fire Extinguisher defined:

It is a mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or
gases for stopping fires, the means for application of its contents for the purposes of
putting out the fire (particularly small fire) before it propagates, and is capable of being
readily moved from place to place.
It is a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.

Procedures for Inspecting Various Types of Extinguisher:

 The more common type of extinguisher that you may come in contact with are
the following:
1. Water
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Dry chemical
4. Dry powder

Items to Check/Inspect in a Fire Extinguisher:

1. Check accessibility and proper location;
2. Check tag for date of last recharge or inspection;
3. Check nozzles for obstruction and operations;
4. Examine for corrosion (leaks or seams) or mechanical damage;
5. Check lockpin and seal;
6. Determine if full (water level, pressure gauge, weight)
7. Examine condition of hose and hose coupling;
8. Check horns for cracks, dirt, or grease accumulations;
9. Date of inspection and initials of inspector

Steps in Using the Portable Fire Extinguishers:

Portable fire extinguishers are no substitute for sprinkler system, hose streams,
or other fire fighter devices. They contain limited supply of extinguishing agent, and their
discharge range and time is limited. But they are necessary even when property is
protected by an automatic fire protection device.
1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the handle
from being pressed, breaking the plastic or wire inspection band.
2. Point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the
extinguisher body, unclip it first.
3. Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the
discharge, release the handle.
4. Sweep the nozzle back and forth or in side to side motion before the flames to
spread the extinguishing agent. Direct the agent at the base of the flames. After
the fire is out, probe for smoldering hot spots or liquid that could reflash. Make
sure the fire is out. Back away from the fire are to protect yourself from possible
danger of flashback.

1. Pressurized and Stores-Pressure Water Extinguisher

 2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher
4. Dry Powder Extinguisher

Testing extinguisher
1. SERVICE TEST – a service test of an extinguisher is nothing more than
operational test of the extinguisher to see that it is operating properly. Service
test are normally performed at least once a year during the scheduled
maintenance cycle.

2. HYDFROSTATIC TESTING – a hydrostatic testis an internal pressure check of

an extinguisher cylinder to detect possible failure under pressure. Normally,
cylinder is filled with water during the test. Hydro static tests also should be
conducted immediately after discovering any indication of mechanical injury or
corrosion to those extinguishers which exert internal pressure.

The test indicates whether the extinguisher parts are capable of withstanding a
designated pressure. In general, the extinguisher is filled with water and liquid
pressure is built up within the container or shell with a pump.
Distortion, leaking, or rupture is a sign of failure. Never sue gas or air pressure
testing because the compressed air or gas would expand with destructive force
in case of an extinguisher failure.
The following types of extinguisher are recommended to be tested every 5years
1. Cartridge operated water
2. Stored pressure water
3. Dry chemical
4. Carbon dioxide

Types of extinguishers which should be tested every 12 years

1. Halon 1211
2. Halon 1301
3. Cartridge operated dry powder
4. Stored pressure dry chemical
5. Cartridge – operated dry chemical

When an extinguisher fails a hydrostatic test, it must be destroyed.

Conditions which allow the destruction of extinguisher:
1. When the shell or cylinder threads are damages
 2. The extinguisher has been burnt in a fire
3. Pitting exists due to corrosion

H. APPLICABLE LAWS IN THE PHILIPPINES

In 1977 PD 1185, Fire Code of the Philippines was enacted and implemented for
the purpose of establishing standards and prescribed practices for the prevention
of accidental and intentional fires. One of the objectives of the PD 1185 is the
Fire Prevention which aims to lessen the physical, occupational and moral
hazards which contribute to the occurrence and spread of the fire.
Republic Act 9514, The “Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008” An Act
Establishing A Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines, /repealing
Presidential Decree No. 1185 and for other purposes was signed and approved
by President Gloria M. Arroyo on December 19, 2008.
RA 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines 2008
R.A 9415 known as the “Fire Code of 2008” repealing the 31 year old Fire of the
Philippines established through PD 1185 by then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos on
Aug. 26,1977. The new Fire Code aims to promote economic development
through ht Prevention and Suppression of all kinds of destructive fires and to
boost the fire service as a profession. The new Fire Code aims to promote
economic development through ht Prevention and Suppression of all kinds of
destructive fires and to boost the fire service as a profession. The law is a
consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2553.
It was enacted by the Senate and House of the Representative on October 2008
created a Fire Protection Modernization Trust Fund to support the modernization
program of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
According to DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpuz that under
the said law, 80% of the Fire Code fees shall be remitted to the National Treasury for
BFP Modernization Trust Fund, and 20% shall be set aside by the city or municipal
government concerned for the use and maintenance of the local fire station.
AUTHORITY/POWER OF BFP CHIEF
1. Issue closure orders for building structures, declared as the fire hazards, not
withstanding any permits clearances or certificates earlier issued by local
authorities.
2. Order the removal of hazardous materials operations of business establishments
whose physical layout is prone to industry related fire incidents’.
3. Order the work stoppage of structures still being constructed for absence or
violations of any approved construction plan.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT PROVISION OF THE LAW
1. The increase in Administrative fines from P12,000 to P50,000 for violation of the
Provisions of the Fire Code;
2. For failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard a fire from P20,000 to
P100,000 with the punishment of imprisonment of one to six years, in addition to
the payment of damaged to victims if violation leads to the loss of life and
damaged of the property;
3. Imposes accountability on public officials or employees through;
Reprimand, Suspension, or Removal, as well as Criminal Penalties for
Negligence, Malfeasance, Misfeasance I performing their sworn duties to the
country;
4. Public officials who violate the law will be punished by a jail term of six (6) moths
to six (6) years, and a fine of not more than P100,000 or both.
5. Requires Private Fire Volunteers and Fire Practitioners to go a Mandatory
Training and Competency Evaluation to be conducted by the BFP under the
operational control of the BFP Fire Ground Commander

DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. FLAME – it is the luminous body of a burning gas which gets hotter and less
luminous when mixed with more oxygen. Flame fades when certain burns
completely, so flame is considered a product of incomplete combustion.

2. HEAT – a form of energy measured in degree of temperature is the product of

combustion that spread the fire. It causes burns and other injuries such as
dehydration, heat exhaustion, and respiratory tract injuries.

3. SMOKE – a visible product of incomplete combustion, usually a mixture of

oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, finely divided particles of
soot and carbon, and assortment of products released from the burning material.

4. FLASHOVER – occurs when a room or other area is heated enough that flames
sweep over the entire surface. Fire – fighters originally believed that combustible
gases released during the early stages of the fire cause flashover by collecting at
the ceiling and mixing with air until they burst into flames.

5. BACKDRAFT – is the sudden and rapid burning of the heated gasses in a

confined area that occurs in the form of explosion. This may occur because of
improper ventilation. Its room is not properly ventilated, highly flammable vapors
maybe accumulated such that when a door or window is suddenly opened, the
 room violently sucks the oxygen and simultaneously, a sudden combustion may
occur which may happen as an explosion.

6. BITEBACK – a fatal condition that takes place when the resists extinguished
operation and becomes stronger ad bigger instead.

7. FLASHFIRE – is better known as dust explosion. This may happen when a metal
post that is completely covered with dust is going to be hit by lightning. The dust
particles covering the metal burn simultaneously thus creating a violent chemical
reaction that produces a very bright flash followed by an explosion.

8. VAPOR DENSITY – the term used to explain the weight of vapors is “vapor
density”. In order to measure the weight of these vapors we usually compare
them to air, which is considered to have a vapor density of 1.00.

9. INTENSITY OF FIRE – means how hot the fire is burning. Some types of fuels
naturally burn hotter than others. For example, a gasoline fire burns hotter than a
wood fire, while an acetylene flame is hotter than a gasoline flame.
10. MAGNITUDE OF FIRE – means the size of fire, and it is governed by the surface
are of a fuel exposed to the air.

11. FLASHPOINT – the temperature at which the material is not hot enough to keep
burning but still gives off enough vapors to cause a flame to “flash” across the
surface.

12. FIREPOINT – the temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to
keep burning