Fire Technology and Investigation

Fire - exothermic reaction involving the oxidation of some substance (fuel) resulting in the release of energy in the form of light and heat. Fire Quadrangle 1. 2. 3. 4. Fuel Oxygen Heat Ignition energy

Triangles of Fire 1. Fuel 2. Oxygen 3. Heat - removal of any of these results in the suppression of the fire.

Some major products of combustion 1. 2. 3. 4. water carbon dioxide carbon monoxide oxides of sulfur

Definition of terms 1. Vapor Density - the density of the vapor relative to the density of air and is calculated by dividing the molecular weight of the gas by that of air. 2. Flash point - the lowest temperature at which liquid fuel produces a flammable vapor. 3. Fire point/flame point - the lowest temperature at which liquid fuel produces a flammable vapor in sufficient quantity such that if a source of ignition is introduced, the vapor will ignite and is usually a few degrees above the flash point Ignition/auto-ignition temperature - the temperature at which a fuel will ignite on its own with out any additional source ignition. Thermal inertia - the ease at which a material can be ignited.

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Heat release rate - is a measure of the fuel can contribute to the heat flux in a fire. Heat transfer - the mechanism in which other sources of fuel.

amount of energy a specific type of fire can spread from its origin to

Methods of heat transfer 1. Conductive/conduction heat transfer - heat is transferred by direct contact and the rate of transfer is dependent on factors such as the thermal conductivity of the material and the temperature difference between the cooler and warmer areas. 2. Convective/convection heat transfer - transfer of heat through physical movement of materials and occurs only in liquids and gases. Hot gases rise and spread heat to nearby ceilings and walls. 3. Radiative/radiation heat transfer - heat is transferred if the form of electromagnetic energy directly from one object to another. ex. infrared radiation from the sun. 8. Combustion - or burning - is the sequence of between fuel and an oxidant accompanied by conversion of chemical species. The result of form of either glowing or flame.

exothermic chemical reaction the production of heat and the heat can result in the

Glowing combustion - occurs when solid fuels are not capable of producing sufficient quantities of gas during pyrolysis to sustain a flame. If access to the oxidant (air) is limited, glowing combustion may result. Flaming combustion -commonly recognized type of fire and occurs with gaseous fuel sources only. The color of the flame can give some indication of the composition of the fuel. Spontaneous combustion - the ignition of organic matter with out apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.A process whereby a material self heats. Explosive combustion - can occur when vapors, dust of gases, premixed with appropriate amount of air are ignited.

Definition of Terms: Arson - intentional or malicious destruction of property by fire. Fire analysis - the process of determining the origin, cause and responsibility as well as the failure analysis of fire or explosion. Fire cause - the circumstances or agencies that bring a fuel and an ignition source together with proper air or oxygen. Fire spread - the movement of fire from one place to another.

Flash fire - a fire that spreads with extreme rapidity such as the one that races over dust, over the surface of flammable liquids or through gases. Fuel load - the total quantity of combustible contents of the building, spaces or fire area, including interior finish and trim expressed in heat units or the equivalent weight in wood. Point of origin - the exact physical location where a heat source and fuel comes in contact with each other and a fire begins. Rekindle - a return to flaming combustion after incomplete extinguishment susc as a fire reigning at some time after being put out. Spalling - chipping or pitting of concrete or masonry surfaces. Definition of terms - (RA no.9514) Abatement - any act that would remove or neutralize fire hazard. Administrator - any person who acts as agent of the owner and manages the use of a building for him. Blasting Agent - any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives. Cellulose nitrate or Nitro cellulose - a highly combustible and explosive compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material. Cellulose nitrate plastic (Pyroxylin) - any plastic substance,materials or compound having cellulose nitrate as base. Combustible/Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive of materials that are easily set on fire. Combustible fiber - any readily ignitable and free burning fiber such as cotton,oakum,rags,waste cloth,waste paper,kapok,hay,straw,Spanish moss,excelsior,and other similar materials commonly used in commerce. Combustible liquid - any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Corrosive liquid - any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals. Curtain board - a vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roof trusses, to divide the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.