Introduction Fire is known to mankind from the days of inception of life on the surface of earth.

It has got a very vital role in the existence of our life. From the very beginning fire has been a good servant but a bad master. As per our Hindu mythology fire is one of five basic natural elements (Fire, Space, Earth Water and Air) responsible for the existence and identification of living beings. Apart from this, fire is most essentials and inseparable part of our life, needed in fulfilling our daily needs. Our Industries, Factories, Power Plants and all developing facilities are entirely dependent upon fire (heat/energy) in one way or the other. If the fire is removed from these activities, every thing will come to standstill. This is the positive and friendly role of the fire in the life of human beings, but there is another side of the coin as well. If proper attention and care is not exercised, then the fire becomes our vicious enemy. An adequate attention and set drill of precautions are required to be taken to tame the fire as a best friend of the mankind. As our country has developed multidirectional and proportionately in the fields of socio-economy, technology and science, the danger of the fire has also increased manifolds. Every day, we witness front page news of fire accidents of difference magnitudes in the news papers which is self explanatory story of our ignorance and callousness attitude towards fire prevention and safety education.

Fire safety Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of a fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a

building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building. Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood a fire may start or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs. Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department members known as fire prevention officers. The Chief Fire Prevention Officer or Chief of Fire Prevention will normally train newcomers to the Fire Prevention Division and may also conduct inspections or make presentations. Key elements of a fire safety policy

Building a facility in accordance with the version of the local building code Maintaining a facility and conducting yourself in accordance with the

provisions of the fire code. This is based on the occupants and operators of the building being aware of the applicable regulations and advice. Examples of these include:

Not exceeding the maximum occupancy within any part of the building. Maintaining proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs Placing and maintaining fire extinguishers in easily accessible places. Properly storing/using, hazardous materials that may be needed inside the

pointing to them that can function in a power failure)

building for storage or operational requirements (such as solvents in spray booths).

Prohibiting flammable materials in certain areas of the facility.

Periodically inspecting buildings for violations, issuing Orders To Comply

and, potentially, prosecuting or closing buildings that are not in compliance, until the deficiencies are corrected or condemning it in extreme cases.

Maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fire. Obtaining and maintaining a complete inventory of firestops. Ensuring that spray fireproofing remains undamaged. Maintaining a high level of training and awareness of occupants and users

of the building to avoid obvious mistakes, such as the propping open of fire doors.

Conduct fire drills at regular intervals throughout the year.

Common fire hazards

Improper use and maintenance of gas stoves often create fire hazards. Some common fire hazards are:

Electrical systems that are overloaded, resulting in hot wiring or Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks Candles Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.) Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials Flammable liquids Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens Heating appliances - wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable Electrical wiring in poor condition Batteries

connections, or failed components

heaters

Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters Electronic and electrical equipment Exterior cooking equipment - BBQ Campfires

Public fire safety education Most US fire departments have fire safety education programs. Fire prevention programs may include distribution of smoke detectors, visiting schools to review key topics with the students and implementing nationally recognized programs such as NFPAs "Risk Watch" & "Learn not to burn."[1] Other programs or props can be purchased by fire departments or community organizations. These are usually entertaining and designed to capture children's attention and relay important messages. Props include those that are mostly auditory, such as puppets & robots. The prop is visually stimulating but the safety message is only transmitted orally. Other props are more elaborate, access more senses and increase the learning factor. They mix audio messages and visual queues with hands-on interaction. Examples of these include mobile trailer safety houses and tabletop hazard house simulators. All programs tend to mix messages of general injury prevention, safety, fire prevention and escape in case of fire. In most cases the fire department representative is regarded as the expert and is expected to present information in a manner that is appropriate for each age group.