Nature of Fire

Fire may be produced if the three conditions or elements are present namely
Elements of Fire
Heat (kindling temperature)

Fuel Oxygen

Fuel is an essential substance that burned on any matter capable of burning.

Heat is a form of energy capable of raising temperature. Hence, the fuel must be heated
to its kindling temperature. There should be the presence of sufficient oxygen which
comes from the surrounding air.

The general classifications of fuel are:

1. Class A- There is the ordinary combustible materials which are mostly solid.
2 Class B-These are the kinds of fuel which are in liquid or gas state (LPG, oil and
other petroleum products).
3. Class C-These are electrically energized fuel (flat iron, electric fan, etc.
4. Class D-Metallic fire (potassium, magnesium and other combustible metals.

Heat comes from the fuel itself which is called spontaneous combustion. This
contains hydrocarbon (CH2) which comes from plants and animals. Vapor is
considered hydrocarbon which ignites when mixed with oxygen in air. No fuel will burn
unless it is in vapor state.
Heat is a form of energy which is produced through the movement of molecules by
friction.

General Categories of Energy (Heat)

There are 5 General Categories of energy (heat) such as:

1. Chemical Energy- It is the heat which results from chemical reaction
heat of decomposition
heat of solution
2 Electrical Energy-it is the heat from electricity.
resistance heating
arching
short circuiting
electric heating
3. Mechanical Energy- it is heat resulting from
Friction
compression
4. Solar Energy- it is the energy derived from the sun. It confines the distribution of
radiated event rays from the sun in one area.
5. Nuclear Energy- it is the heat resulting from breaking or combining atoms.
Heat of fission-separating or breaking of atom
Heat of fusion- combining atom together

Stages of Fire

Incipient Stage- there is no visible smoke or flame

Smoldering Stage- there is smoke but no flame

Flame Stage- there is an actual fire and heat builds up in the air.

Heat Stage- there is uncontrolled spread of super heated air

Most Common Source of Fire

Arson Lightning

Kitchen grease Flammable chemicals

Electrical short circuit Overheated appliances

Debris burning in forest and neglected camp

How to eliminate Industrial Fires

Rigidly enforces smoking restriction

Oxygen should not be store in the same area as flammable gasses or near any readily
combustible materials. Storage area should be made up of concrete or non-combustible
building area.