FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT THEORY:

“To extinguish a fire, interrupt or eliminate the supply of any or all of the elements
of fire. Fire can be extinguished by reducing/ lowering the temperature, eliminating the
fuel supply, or by stopping the chemical chain reaction.”
4 general methods of fire extinguishments:

1. Extinguishments by Temperature Reduction

- Cooling the temperature of the fire environment; usually done by using
water.
- Lower down the temperature to a point where it does not produce
sufficient vapor that burn.
2. Extinguishments by Fuel Removal
- Elimination of the fuel supply/ source which may be done by:
a. Stopping the flow of liquid fuel.
b. Preventing the production of flammable gas.
c. Removing the solid fuel at the fire path.
d. Allowing the fuel to burn until the fuel is consumed.

3. Extinguishments by Oxygen Dilution

a. Reduction of oxygen concentration at the burning area.
b. By introducing inert gasses.
c. By separating the oxygen from the fuel.
4. Extinguishments by Chemical Inhibition (Chemical Reaction Interruption)
- Some extinguishing agent, like dry chemical and halons, interrupt the
production of flame resulting to rapid flame extinguishments of the fire.
This method is effective only on burning gas and liquid fuel, as they
cannot burn in smoldering mode of combustion.

Methods of extinguishing the 4 classes of fire:

1. CLASS A FIRES – By quenching or cooling; water is the best agent in cooling

the burning solid material; water has quenching effect that can reduce the
temperature of a burning material below its ignition temperature. Fire
 extinguisher which has water, sand, acid, foam and special solution containing
alkali methyl dust, as found in the loaded stream extinguisher, should be used
in this type of fire.
2. CLASS B FIRES – By smothering or blanketing. This type of fire is put out or
controlled by foam loaded stream, carbon dioxide, dry chemical and vaporizing
liquid.
3. CLASS C FIRES – Can be controlled by non-conductive extinguishing agent.
The safest procedure is to always de-energize the electric circuit. Extinguishers
that are used to put out these types of fire are:
- Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
- Dry Chemical
- Vaporizing liquid
4. CLASS D FIRES – Use special extinguishing agents marked specifically for
metal fires. GE type, Meth LX, Lith X, Meth L, Kyl, dry sand and dry talc can be
used to put out Class D fires.
5. CLASS E FIRES – Any combination of the above method.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER defined:

• Is a mechanical device, usually made of metal, containing chemicals,

fluids, or gases for stopping fires, the means for application of its
contents for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fires)
before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to
place.
• It is a portable device used to put out fire of limited size.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

1. Water Fire Extinguisher – Extinguishers filled with water, use to fight Class A
and Class B fires.
2. Liquefied Fire Extinguisher – Extinguishers that contain Carbon Monoxide
Gas use to fight Class A, B, and C fires.
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher – Those that contain chemical powder intended to
fight all classes of fires.
GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURE IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT:

P – PULL The pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being
pressed. Press the plastic or thin wire inspection band.
P – POINT The nozzle or outlet towards the base of the fire. Some hose assemblies
are dipped to the extinguishing body. Release it and then point at the base of the
fire.
P – PRESS The handle above the carrying handle to discharge the extinguishing
agent inside. The handle can be released to stop the discharge at any time.
S – SWEEP The nozzle sideways at the base of the flame to disperse the
extinguishing agent.