Course Code: CRI 189

Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation

Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Lesson Title: The Phenomenon of Spontaneous Combustion Materials: Ballpen, Paper, Notebook
and SAS
Lesson Objectives: References:
At the end of this module, you should be able to: https://www.firehouse.com/rescue/artic
le/10528863/the-phenomenon-of-
1. describe the concept of spontaneous combustion; and
spontaneous-combustion
2. discuss the types of materials involved in spontaneous
combustion and its condition to make it happen.

Productivity Tip: Score: /40

Before sleeping tonight, recite three important terms
you learned today.

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction (2 mins)
Good day! How was it? I hope you’re fine. Welcome to another lesson entitled “The
Phenomenon of Spontaneous Combustion”. This module is still connected with the previous one
since it also talks about fire. Later on the prepared concept notes and series of activities, you will be
learning about its concept; but before that let us discuss first the learning objectives of this module. The
learning objectives are: a) you should be able to describe the concept of spontaneous combustion; and
b) discuss the types of materials involved in spontaneous combustion and its condition to make it
happen. Are you ready? Alright, let’s get the ball rolling!

B.MAIN LESSON

Activity 1: Content Notes (13 mins)

Instructions: Read and analyze the concepts below and after
that you have to answer the questions that follow. Write it on the
space provided.

THE PHENOMENON OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Spontaneous combustion is a sometimes mysterious and often misunderstood or misdiagnosed

combustion of flammable materials. Many fires have been blamed on spontaneous combustion that
were not and many fires that were caused by spontaneous combustion were not properly attributed.
Certainly, fire investigators and hazardous materials personnel – if not all firefighters – should know
about the concept of spontaneous combustion, the types of materials that may undergo such a reaction

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

and the conditions necessary for it to happen.

Spontaneous combustion, according to the Handbook of Fire Prevention Engineering, “is a runaway
temperature rise in a body of combustible material that results from heat being generated by
some process taking place within the body”. Spontaneous combustion may be rapid or slow. It can
result from reactions of a susceptible material with air or water or from a chemical reaction. Materials
involved can be chemical, elements, or hydrocarbon compounds or a mixture.

Slow Spontaneous Combustion

Slow spontaneous combustion can occur in two general ways: biological processes of some
microorganisms and slow oxidation. Biological processes occur within organic materials such as hay
and grass clippings. The activity of biological organisms within the material generates heat that is
confined by the materials themselves until the ignition temperature is reached and ignition occurs.

Slow oxidation is a chemical reaction. Chemical reactions may produce heat; reactions that produce
heat are considered exothermic. If the heat is insulated from dissipating to the outside of the materials,
it will continue to build up. As the heat builds, the material is heated from within. The process continues
until the ignition temperature of the material is reached and ignition occurs.

Hydrocarbon compounds usually undergo slow spontaneous combustion. Generally, hydrocarbon

compounds are considered saturated or unsaturated. Within saturated compounds, all of the chemical
bonds among the elements in the compound are single. Single bonds are "full," for there isn't room or a
method for another element to attach. Double or triple bonds are unsaturated. In other words, the
double bond can break, and when it does, another element can attach. Spontaneous ignition occurs
when this double or triple bond breaks and creates heat and the heat is confined. The material itself
produces heat sufficient to reach its own ignition temperature.

Some materials subject to spontaneous combustion are not considered hazardous in transit by the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) and may not be placarded or labeled. Materials may have other
hazards considered more severe. DOT has assigned a hazard class to materials that are shipped in
transportation and subject to spontaneous combustion by chemical nature. Flammable solids, Class 4.2
materials are spontaneously combustible. The DOT defines them as pyrophoric materials.

Even though this hazard class is flammable solids, these materials may be found as solids or liquids.
They can ignite without an external ignition source within five minutes after coming into contact with air.
There are other 4.2 materials that may be self-heating, i.e., in contact with air and without an energy
supply (ignition source); they are liable to self-heat, which can result in a fire involving the material or
other combustibles nearby. This type of spontaneous combustion is considered rapid.

Materials can also spontaneously combust when in contact with water. When some carbon-based
materials, such as activated carbon or charcoal briquettes, are in contact with water, an oxidation
reaction occurs between the carbon material, the water, and pockets of trapped air. This type of
spontaneous combustion occurs slowly. The reaction is exothermic, which means heat is produced in

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

the reaction and slowly builds up until ignition occurs spontaneously. Because the reaction is so slow,
we use charcoal lighter rather than water when we are cooking on the grill!

Materials subject to spontaneous heating are listed below:

 Alfalfa meal
 Animal hides
 Castor oil
 Charcoal
 Coal
 Cottonseed oil
 Fertilizers
 Fish meal
 Fish oil
 Lanolin
 Lard oil
 Linseed oil
 Manure
 Metal powders
 Olive oil
 Peanut oil
 Powdered eggs
 Soybean oil
 Used burlap
 Whale oil

Some types of combustible liquids, such as animal and vegetable oils, have a hidden hazard: they may
burn spontaneously when improperly handled. They have high boiling and flash points, narrow
flammable ranges and low ignition temperatures, and are non polar. Carbon-based animal or vegetable
oils, such as linseed oil, cooking oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, soybean oil, lard and margarine, can
undergo spontaneous combustion when in contact with rags, cardboard, paper or other combustibles.
These unsaturated compounds can be dangerous when combustible materials containing residue are
not properly disposed of or they come in contact with other combustible materials.

There is a double bond in the chemical make-up of animal and vegetable oils that reacts with oxygen in
the air. The oxygen from the air trapped in the mass reacts with the double bonds present in the animal
and vegetable oils. The breaking of the double bonds creates heat. If the heat is allowed to build up in a
pile of rags, for example, spontaneous combustion will occur over a period of hours. Fires started by
this spontaneous heating process can be difficult to extinguish because they usually involve deep-
seated fires. In order for enough heat to be sustained to cause combustion, there must be insulation.
This insulation can be the material itself or may be in the form of some other combustible material.

Spontaneous heating cannot occur in the case of petroleum oils or other hydrocarbon materials that are
saturated. Ordinary petroleum products, such as motor oil, grease, diesel fuel and gasoline, do not

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

have a double bond in their chemical make-up. For that reason, the oxidation reaction that occurs with
animal and vegetable oils and the oxygen in the air does not occur. Therefore, those materials do not
undergo spontaneous combustion! This fact may come as a surprise to some people because there
have been numerous fires blamed on soiled rags with those products on them. The fact is that
saturated flammable liquids do not spontaneously ignite and cannot start to burn without some other
ignition source.

COMMON MATERIALS THAT BY CHEMICAL NATURE ARE SUBJECT TO SPONTANEOUS

COMBUSTION
Diethyl zinc > It is an organo-metal compound and a dangerous fire hazard.
> It spontaneously ignites in air and reacts violently with water,
releasing flammable vapors and heat.
> It is a colorless pyrophoric liquid with a specific gravity of 1.2,
which is heavier than water, so it will sink to the bottom.
Pentaborane > It is a non-metallic, colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
> It decomposes at 300F if it has not already ignited and will
ignite spontaneously in air if impure.
> It is a dangerous fire and explosion risk, with a flammable
range of 0.46 to 98% in air.
Aluminum Alkyls > are colorless liquids or solids.
> they are pyrophoric and may ignite spontaneously in air.
> are pyrophoric materials in a flammable solvent.
> the vapors are heavier than air, water reactive and corrosive.
Aluminum Phosphide > is a binary salt
> these salts have the specific hazard of giving off poisonous
and pyrophoric phosphine gas when in contact with air.
> this compound is composed of gray or dark yellow crystals
and is a dangerous fire risk.
Potassium Sulfide > is a binary salt.
> it is a red or yellow-red crystalline mass or fused solid.
> it is delinquescent in air, which means it absorbs water from
the air, and it is also soluble in water.
> it is a dangerous fire risk and may ignite spontaneously
> it is explosive in the form of dust and powder,
Sodium Hydride > is a binary salt that has a specific hazard of releasing
hydrogen in contact with water.
> it is an odourless powder that is violently water reactive.
White Phosphorus > also known as yellow phosphorus, is a non-metallic element
that is found in the form of crystals or a wax-like transparent
solid.
> it ignites spontaneously in air at 86F, which is also its ignition
temperature.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

> it should be stored and shipped under water and away from
heat.
> it is a dangerous fire risk, with a boiling point of 536F and a
melting point of 111F.

Let us answer the questions below based on your readings:

1. Based on the concept notes, what are the two general ways that slow spontaneous
combustion can occur?

Answer: Slow spontaneous combustion can occur in two general ways: biological
processes of some microorganisms and slow oxidation.

2. What is slow oxidation?

Answer: Slow oxidation is a chemical reaction which is one of the general ways that
slow spontaneous combustion can occur.

3. What are biological processes in slow spontaneous combustion?

Answer: Biological processes occur within organic materials such as hay and grass
clippings. The activity of biological organisms within the material generates heat that is
confined by the materials themselves until the ignition temperature is reached and
ignition occurs.

Activity 2: Skill-building Activities (18 mins + 2 mins checking)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer the question
honestly. After that check your answers against the Key to
Corrections found at the end of this SAS. Write your score on the
space provided.
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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

2.1 Based on your own understanding, what do you mean by the term spontaneous? Limit your answer
to five (5) sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (5 points) Score: over 5

Keywords: automatic, natural, self-acting, instinctual, mechanical

2.2 Based on your own understanding, rephrase the meaning of spontaneous combustion. Limit your
answer to five (5) sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (5 points)
Score: over 5

2.3 Explain briefly the following terms below. These terms are found in the concept notes. You
limit your statement to 2 sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (2 points each)

Score: over 10

Terms Explanation
1.slow Activity of biological organisms or chemical reaction that generates heat until the
spontaneous ignition temperature is reached and ignition occurs.
combustion

2. rapid
spontaneous A substance catches fire as soon as its temperature reaches the ignition
combustion temperature and the combustion of the substance is almost complete and a large
amount of heat and light is produced.

3. biological The activity of biological organisms within the material generates heat that is
processes confined by the materials themselves until the ignition temperature is reached
and ignition occurs.
4. slow Slow oxidation is a chemical reaction. Chemical reactions may produce heat;
oxidation reactions that produce heat are considered exothermic.

5.
hydrocarbon Hydrocarbon compounds usually undergo slow spontaneous combustion.
compounds Generally, hydrocarbon compounds are considered saturated or unsaturated.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Activity 3: Check for Understanding (15 mins)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer these questions honestly.
After that check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at
the end of this SAS. Write your score on the space provided.

Score: over 10

3.1 Multiple Choice. Read and understand the following statements. Encircle the correct answer.

1. The materials subject to spontaneous heating are listed below except:

a. fertilizers
b. lard oil
c. white phosphorus
d. powdered eggs

2. Spontaneous combustion can be rapid and ________.

a. continuous
b. fast
c. complete
d. slow

3. It is a runaway temperature rise in a body of combustible material that results form heat being
generated by some process taking place within the body.
a. exothermic
b. saturated hydrocarbon compounds
c. spontaneous combustion
d. spontaneous carbon

4. Slow spontaneous combustion can occur in two general ways:

a. biological processes and slow fire
b. biological processes and slow spontaneous
c. biological processes and slow oxidation
d. biological processes and slow combustion

5. It is a chemical reaction. Chemical reactions may produce heat; reactions that produce heat are
considered exothermic. If the heat is insulated from dissipating to the outside of the material, it will
continue to build up. As the heat builds, the material is heated from within. The process continues until
the ignition temperature of the material is reached and ignition occurs.
a. rapid spontaneous combustion
b. spontaneous combustion
c. slow oxidation
d. slow combustion

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

6. It is a non-metallic, colorless liquid with a pungent odor.

a. diethyl zinc
b. pentaborane
c. aluminium alkyls
d. white phosphorus

7. A binary salt which have the specific hazard of giving off poisonous and pyrophoric phosphide gas
when in contact with moist air, water or steam.
a. aluminium phosphide
b. potassium sulphide
c. aluminum alkyls
d. sodium hydride

8. Generally, hydrocarbon compounds are considered saturated or ________.

a. unsaturated
b. biological process
c. slow oxidation
d. rapid

9. Hydrocarbon compounds usually undergo ____ spontaneous combustion.

a. rapid
b. slow
c. fast
d. biological

10. Carbon-based animal or vegetable oils can undergo spontaneous combustion when in contact with
any of the following except:
a. rags
b. cardboard
c. paper
d. soybean oil

C. LESSON WRAP-UP
Activity 4: Thinking About Learning (5 mins)
A. Work Tracker
You are done with this session! Let’s track your progress. Shade the
session number you just completed. You mark the place in the work
tracker which is simply a visual to help you to track how much work you
have accomplished and how much work there is left to do.

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

B. Think About Your Learning

B.1 Instruction: There are two (2) parts of this activity; first, write “What are the 3 things you learned in
this module, 2 things you’d like to learn more about and 1 question you still have”. Write it on the space
provided. And then on the second part would be your self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets.
Three things you learned:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________
Two things that you’d like to learn more about:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
One question you still have:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

B.2 This is a self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets: Just place a check (/) mark on the
space provided.
1. I CAN describe the concept of spontaneous combustion. _______
2. I CAN discuss the types of materials involved in _______
spontaneous combustion and its condition to make it happen.

Q1. What is the difference between rapid and slow spontaneous combustion?
Answer: The difference between rapid and slow spontaneous combustion is time. The time element
when the heated materials can reach its ignition temperature to sustain combustion.
Q2. Why firefigthers must know the concept of spontaneous combustion?
Answer: Firefighters must know the concept of spontaneous combustion for them to identify correctly
the cause of fire and the possible danger that can be prevented.

KEY TO CORRECTIONS:

Rubrics on Activity 2.1 Rate

Organization of thoughts=2 points
Grammar = 1 points
Readability = 1 point
Cleanliness = 1 point
TOTAL= 5 points
Keywords on Activity 2.1 : automatic, natural, self-acting, instinctual, mechanical

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 Course Code: CRI 189
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation
Teacher’s Guide: Module #10

Name:_____________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Rubrics on Activity 2.2 Rate

Organization of thoughts=2 points
Grammar = 1 point
Readability = 1 point
Cleanliness = 1 point
TOTAL= 5 points
Rubrics on Activity 2.3 Rate
Answered completely with 2 sentences each without erasure 10 (Perfect Score)
Answered completely with 2 sentences each with erasure 5
Answered incompletely (less than 2 sentences each) 3
No answer at all 0
Rubrics on Activity 3.1 Rate 10 points
1. c. white phosphorus
2. d. slow
3. c. spontaneous combustion
4. c. biological processes and slow oxidation
5. c. slow oxidation
6. b. pentaborane
7. a. aluminium phosphide
8. a. unsaturated
9. b. slow
10. d. soybean oil

TEACHER-LED ACTIVITIES:

At-home learning session for the students:

1. Check and grade collected SAS and other input from students.
2. Schedule phone calls/virtual calls/virtual chats to individual students or small groups of students to
monitor work, provide guidance, answer questions, and check understanding.

Congratulations! That’s enough for today; study modules 8, 9 and 10 for the 30 points summative assessment, next
meeting in school!

Source: Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School without Spending All Your Time Studying,
A Guide for Teens and Kids by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, 2018

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