TOPIC 15A

BASICS OF FIRE PROTECTION

R. A. 9514 Fire Code of the
Philippines of 2008

DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU

Understanding FIRE

What
is FIRE?

Fire is a complex set of chemical

reactions in which fuel combines with
oxygen and an ignition source to produce
heat.

Heat
The Fire Triangle: (Ignition)
Three elements - fuel,
oxygen and heat - are
required to start a fire.
The oxidation process
will not be possible
without any one of these
elements.
Oxygen Fuel (Fire
(Ventilation) Load)
DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU

Dynamics of Fire: 4 STAGES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT
1. Incipient – This first stage begins when
heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine and
have a chemical reaction resulting in
fire. This is also known as “ignition” and is
usually represented by a very small fire
which often (and hopefully) goes out on its
own, before the following stages are
reached. Recognizing a fire in this stage
provides your best chance at suppression or
escape.
DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU
2. Growth – The growth stage is
where the structures fire load and
oxygen are used as fuel for the fire.
There are numerous factors affecting
the growth stage including where the
fire started, what combustibles are
near it, ceiling height and the potential
for “thermal layering”. It is during this
shortest of the 4 stages when a deadly
“flashover” can occur; potentially
trapping, injuring or killing firefighters.
3. Fully Developed – When the
growth stage has reached its maximum
and all combustible materials have
been ignited, a fire is considered fully
developed. This is the hottest phase of
a fire and the most dangerous for
anybody trapped within.
Flashover is not a stage of development,
but simply a rapid transition between the
growth and fully developed stages.

The interface of the hot and
cool gas layers at an opening is
commonly referred to as the
neutral plane.
DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU
Dynamics of Fire: 4 STAGES OF FIRE
DEVELOPMENT
4. Decay – Usually the longest stage of a fire,
the decay stage is characterized a significant
decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the
fire. Two common dangers during this stage are
first – the existence of non-flaming combustibles,
which can potentially start a new fire if not fully
extinguished. Second, there is the danger of a
backdraft when oxygen is reintroduced to a
volatile, confined space.
Fire Protection and the 4 Stages of Fire Development

Active Fire Protection Passive Fire Protection

Detection, activation and suppression Resistance to heat and flames of fire rated constructions

Temperature Time

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Slow rate of Development of heat Load bearing capacity of materials is maintained.

burning and flames Prevention of fire spread to other compartments.

DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU

Aims in
Fire Safety Design
A To prevent fire

B To safeguard the lives of

occupants and firefighters

C To reduce damage on the

building, its contents, and on
surrounding buildings

DANILO V. RAVINA NAMPAP CEBU