Cdi 327

Fire Protection
and Arson
Investigation
(CDI 327)
CHAPTER 1
THE PHILIPPINES' FIRE PROBLEM
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the students will be able to:

1. Identify the current fire problem of the Philippines;
2. Explain the importance of National Fire Prevention Month;
3. Enumerate some of the causes of Fires in the Philippines;
4. Differentiate Electrical Overloading and Electrical

Short Circuit;
5. Enumerate the Mandates and functions of the Bureau of Fire Protection;
6. Enumerate the organizational structure of the BFP;
7. Identify and appreciate the importance of the Republic Act No. 6975; and
8. Explain the salient point of Republic Act No. 9263.
The Philippines' Fire Problem
In the Philippines, thousands of lives and billions worth of property are

lost every year because of fires, often caused by negligence and sheer apathy
of its consequences, despite of continuous fire prevention campaign of the
authorities. Filipinos has an adage that encapsulate the destruction and
misfortune from being a victim of fire, "Mas mabuti pang manakawan kesa
masunugan" (Mayuga, 2018). Take a look on the following news.
The number of fire incidents in the first two months of 2022 rose by
almost 13 percent as compared to the previous year, according to the Bureau
of Fire Protection (BFP). A total of 2,103 fire incidents were recorded in
January and February, an increase of 12.9 percent from only 1,863 incidents
in the same period in 2021 (Caliwan, 2022). The rise in fire incidents is
attributed to the easing of restrictions due to the improved coronavirus
situation in the country. More people have been careless in using electrical
connections for long hours which resulted in total disregard of fire safety
measures (Caliwan, 2022).
With 94 fire incidents in just the first four days of the Fire Prevention
Month in 2022, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
urged the public to be more vigilant in exercising fire safety protocols to
prevent damage to properties and loss of lives. This 94 fire incidents that
were recorded nationwide on March 1-4, 2022 incurred more than P20.4-
million worth of damage to properties and killing seven individuals nationwide
(Department of the Interior and Local Government, 2022).
According to local officials, eight people have died, including six children,
after a fire tore through scores of homes near the Philippines capital Manila.
The blaze, which started around 05:00 local time on a Monday (May 2 2022),
also destroyed 80 homes. It started on the second floor of a house in a
crowded settlement inside the sprawling campus of the University of the
Philippines, in Quezon City. It took nearly two hours to extinguish the blaze.
The fire spread quickly, that victims were unable to escape their homes
(BBC.com, 2022).
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded to two fire incidents

reported in Quezon City on Saturday (June 4 2022). The first fire incident
was reported at 11:31 a.m. in Barangay Ramon Magsaysay, the fire started
at the ceiling of one house on Cavite corner Antique Streets. The BFP raised
the first alarm and was able to put out the fire by noontime. The second fire
incident affected a residential area along A. Bonifacio Avenue in Barangay
Pag-Ibig sa Nayon. It was first reported at 12:15 p.m. The BFP placed the
fire under control at 12:29 p.m. then declared fire out at 12:35 p.m (GMA
News Online, 2022).
Philippines' Fire Situation by the Numbers
According to the BFP Accomplishment Report of 2021, the period

covering January to December 2021, BFP responded to 12,850 fire incidents
nationwide which is -10.88% lower from 14,420 incidents during the same
period of 2020. The estimated amount of property damages for 2021 is Php
4.488 Billion, 17.94% higher than Php 3.805 Billion of 2020. The structural
type of occupancy with recorded data of 7,732 fire incident increase to 8.77%
against 7,108 on 2020, non-structural is -35.80% and transport/vehicular
fires is 7.08%.
Occupancy December December Percentage

2020 2021 (%)
Increase/(D
ecrease)
Structural 7108 7732 8.77
Non- 6324 4,060 (38.50)

Structural
Transport/V 988 1,058 7.08
ehicular Fires
Total 14420 12,850 (10.88)
Number of Fire
Incidents
Total 3,805,780, 4,488,852, 17.94
Property 100.47 473.72
Damages (In
Billion Pesos)
Residential fires topped the list of having 5,610 or equivalent to 8.42% higher
than 2020's 5,174. Followed by the mercantile and storage type,
correspondingly with a total of 617 and 378.
Table 2
Comparative Statistics on Structural Fire Incidents by Type of Occupancy
Involved January to December
Types of December December Percentage (%)

Occupancy 2020 2021 Increase/(Decrease)
Residential 5174 5610 8.42
Industrial 292 364 24.65
Mercantile 504 617 22.42
Storage 315 378 20
Mixed 87 89 2.29
Occupancies
Business 233 253 8.58
Education 155 153 (1.29)
Detention 4 1 (75)
and Correctional
Healthcare 24 20 (16.66)
Assembly 72 81 12.5
Miscellaneous 248 166 (33.06)
7108 7732 8.77
The Top 5 most common causes for CY 2020 as per record of Bureau of Fire
Protection were due to Electrical Ignition Caused by Arcing with 1,647
cases. Followed by, Electrical Ignition Caused by Loosed Connection with
972 cases, fire incidents caused by Open Flame from Cooking (LPG/ Gas
Stove with 737 cases, Smoking (Lighted Cigarette, Cigar or Pipe) with 628
and fire incidents caused by Electrical ignition caused by overloading with
931 cases.
Based on the consolidated classification of fire cases nationwide, accidental
recorded the highest cases with 9,521 or equivalent to -26.81% from last
year's 13,010 while negligent acts classification has the lowest number with
1 case, -99.07%. (See table 4). These fire incidents rendered 45 fire
fighters injured and no casualty. While civilian casualties, there are 326
fatalities and 835 reportedly injured. Fatalities and injuries increased this
year comparing to last year's cases is equivalent to 28.85% and 15.81%,
respectively.
Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines
March is the National Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines by virtue

of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, issued in 1966 by then President
Ferdinand E. Marcos, and also according to Presidential Proclamation No. 360
of 1989, by then President Corazon C. Aquino, declaring March of every year
as "Burn Prevention Month".
March is one of the hottest months of the year when incidence of

disasters related fire seems to rise (PSA, 2016). The goal of fire prevention
is to raise awareness and preparedness in preventing and responding to fire
incidents,. It is a proactive method of preventing fire-based emergencies and
reducing the damage caused by them (manila.gov.ph, 2022).
The Bureau of Fire Protection, as the government agency mandated to
prevent and suppress all kinds of destructive fires, investigate its causes,
enforce fire-related laws and provide emergency medical and rescue services,
shall anchor all the activities for the Fire Prevention Month towards fire safety
at home by introducing innovative programs and activities leading towards
motivating the public to take fire safety as everyone's concern (DILG, n.d.).
Causes of Fires in the Philippines
The causes of fire ranges from human error to natural occurrences,

Here are some of the most common causes of fire in the Philippines.
1.Electrical Overloading
An electric overload occurs when too much current passes through

electric wires. The wires heat and can melt, with the risk of starting a fire
(energuide.be, n.d.). It is an excessive current relative to the normal
operating current, but one which is confined to the normal conductive paths
of the circuit. Overloads are often between 1.35 and 6 times the normal
current level. When a circuit is overloaded, the plasticizers in the insulation
are vaporized over a long period and the insulation becomes brittle
(electricalterminology, 2021).
Types of Electrical Overloading

There are two types of Electrical overloads; temporary and continuous
overload.
Temporary overloads or transients are overloads that are usually

caused by temporary starting currents that occur during the motor start-up
or transformer energization. This is not harmful to circuit components as the
associated temperature rise is minimal (electricalterminology, 2021).
Continuous overloads can result from defective motors (worn
bearings) or too many loads connected to one circuit that does not last long
enough to damage electrical system components such as conductors. This
damage may eventually lead to severe fault events such as fires if the
overload is not interrupted (electricalterminology, 2021)
An overload must be cut off by protection devices before they damage

the circuit. Fuses and circuit breakers protect a circuit against current
overloads. The overloaded circuit in an electrical system is dangerous
because it can produce heat. Wires and other components in an electrical
system have a maximum amount of current they can carry safely. When an
overload occurs the electrical current will heat the wires and it could cause a
fire (electricalterminology, 2021).
Causes of Electric Overload

The main causes of an overload in the circuit are
(electricalterminology, 2021):
• Inrush currents when starting a motor;

• Worn bearings of a motor;
• Too many loads in a single circuit;
• Overloaded machine tools; and
• Damaged material and products.
Warning Signs of an Overloaded Electrical Circuit
The primary sign of an overloaded electrical circuit is a breaker

tripping. Other signs include (electricalterminology, 2021):
• Dimming lights;
• Buzzing outlets or switches;
• Warm outlet or switch;
• Very hot appliances or motors;
• Burning smells;
• Sluggish electronics; and
• Power outage in a room or whole house.
2. Electrical Short Circuit
An electric circuit, path for transmitting electric current'. It includes 1)

a device that gives energy to the charged particles constituting the current,
such as a battery or a generator; 2) devices that use current, such as lamps,
electric motors, or computers; and 3) the connecting wires or transmission
lines (Britannica Encyclopaedia, 2022)
A short circuit is an abnormal condition in an electrical circuit where the
electrical current flows through an unintended, shorter pathway instead of
following the circuit (Wallender,, 2022). The short circuit is dangerous
because when a short circuit occurs, the resistance of a circuit drops almost
zero ohms. This increases the current quickly and heats the conductors or
equipment (Electricalterminology, 2021).
Electricity likes to flow along the path of least resistance. Copper is used
for electrical wires because it conducts so well, while materials like wood or
fiber would be highly inefficient materials for wiring because they resist
electricity. Even steel and iron are poor materials for wiring. though better
than wood or fiber. The long path for the energy to flow back to ground is on
the circuit. But when a shorter path is provided, electricity naturally seeks
this route (the path of least resistance). The electricity immediately changes
its course to head to ground by this shorter, easier path (Wallender, 2022).
Types of Short Circuits
• Normal Short Circuit - It occurs when a powered or hot wire touches a

neutral wire. Immediately, resistance drops and current begins to
move in another path (Wallender, 2022).
• Ground Fault Short Circuit- It occurs when a powered or hot wire

touches a grounded section of a box, device, appliance, outlet, bare
ground wire, or anything else supplied by the electrical circuit
(Wallender, 2022).
When a short circuit occurs electrical current can be hundreds to

thousands of times greater than the normal operating current. It is
usually created when a low-resistance wire is placed across a consuming
device. A greater number of electrons will flow through the path of least
resistance rather than through the consuming device. Then it generates
an excess current flow in the cables which results in overheating,
possibly causing a fire (Electricalterminology, 2021).
Causes of Short Circuits
Short circuits can be caused by the following (Wallender, 2022):
• Vermin or pests chewing through wires;

• Water or other fluids coming into contact with electrical wiring;
• Loose connections in an electrical box;
• Old or damaged outlets, switches, lights, appliances, or other electrical
devices;
• Nails or screws piercing through walls and coming into contact with
wires;
• Deterioration of electrical cable sheathing; and
• Build-up or surges of electricity.
SIGNS OF A SHORT CIRCUIT
Previous Short Circuits
Warning sign of a previous short circuit includes a charred wire or light
switch. If the short circuit was recent, a person may sense a metallic smell
or smell burned plastic or rubber (Wallender, 2022).
Ongoing Short Circuits

Warning sign of an ongoing Short Circuit is when the circuit breaker
shuts off. Sometimes, there are sparks and a bright light. A loud zapping
sound or a boom can accompany a short circuit. The device powered by the
electrical current stops working. If a person is touching the device or if the
person's body happens to be close to the short or within the short circuit,
he/she may receive an electrical shock and often a burn from the intense
heat (Wallender, 2022).
How to Find and Fix Short Circuits?
According to Wallender (2022), the following are the steps on how to fix
short circuits:
1. Isolate Circuit- Identify the circuit. Make sure that you're dealing with
only the circuit in question.
2. Make Circuit Safe to Work on-Turn off and remove the circuit breaker.
Remove the breaker by rocking it back toward the side of the electric
service panel. The breaker should lift off.
3. List Devices- Identify all devices on the circuit, including outlets,
switches, appliances, lights, A/Cs, and more-even junction boxes.
4. Examine Devices- Check the outside of each device on the circuit. Look
for blown fuses on individual devices. Look for signs of a short circuit: sharp
smells, melted plastic, or burn
marks.
5. Look Inside Devices- If practical, check wires in each device. Open up
electrical boxes and check connections. Look at junction boxes that aren't
attached to devices. Remove light fixtures and look inside the fixtures and
inside their electrical boxes.
6. Check Cables in Walls and Attics- Where you can, examine wires
between devices. Since wires are generally closed up in walls, this may be
difficult. But often, wires run along the joists in attics and can be examined
with a flashlight.
3. Incendiarism (Arson)
It pertains to the malicious burning of property, using certain chemicals,
bombs, etc, and causing fire start (BFP CARAGA, n.d.). (A separate detailed
discussion on Arson on succeeding chapters)
4. Open Flames
This includes unattended burning candles or kerosene lamps that are

placed near flammable/ combustible material is a fire waiting to happen.
Unattended cooking causes most fires in the homes that occur in the kitchen.
Oil or fat starting to smoke is near the combustion point and can ignite
violently (BFP CARAGA, n.d.).
5. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a colorless odorless liquid which

readily evaporates into a gas. Normally an odorant has been added to it to
help detect leaks. It is either Butane or Propane, is generally stored and
distributed as a liquid and it is widely used for process and space heating,
cooking and automotive propulsion. It is classified as highly flammable and
if it contains more than 0.1% Butadiene, it is also classified as a carcinogen
and mutagen (Health & Safety Authority, 2022).
LPG may leak as a gas or a liquid. Rusty and corroded LPG tanks are
fire hazards. If the liquid leaks it will quickly evaporate and form a relatively
large cloud of gas which will drop to the ground, as it is heavier than air.
LPG vapors can run for long distances along the ground and can collect in
drains or basements. When the gas meets a source of ignition it can burn or
explode. Cylinders can explode if involved in a fire (Health & Safety
Authority, 2022).
6. Fireworks
These are pyrotechnic displays resulting from the occurrence of certain
oxidation, reduction, and reactions. The substances that produce fireworks
are hazardous materials. These must be stored, transported, handled as
oxidizers, and displayed by experienced, and knowledgeable professionals.
Implementation of prohibitions in the manufacture, handling and use should
be strictly complied with everyone as fire safety precaution.
7. Spontaneous Ignition
Spontaneous combustion is a combustion that results when materials
undergo atmospheric oxidation at such a rate that the heat generation
exceeds heat dissipation and the heat gradually builds up to a sufficient
degree to cause the mass of material to inflame (Mannan, 2014). Some of
the common materials that may spontaneously heat and ignite are animal
oils, mixed fish oils, coal, sawdust, hay, grain, and cotton (BFP CARAGA,
n.d.).
8. Improper Disposal of Cigarette Butts

Careless smoking especially in bed is a leading cause of fire in the homes.
Improper disposal of cigarette butts may lead to cause fire at homes and
offices in unattended areas like trash bins and vacant lot with dried leaves
and other combustible materials. In the Philippines it is the fourth leading
cause of fire (BFP CARAGA, n.d.).
The Bureau of Fire Protection

The Bureau of Fire Protection is responsible in the prevention and
suppression of destructive fires, investigates its causes, enforce fire code
and other related laws, and respond to man-made and natural disasters and
other emergencies in the Philippines (foi.gov.ph, n.d.).
Republic Act No. 6975

The Republic Act No. 6975 or the Department of the Interior and
Local Government Act of 1990, it is an act that establishes the Philippine
National Police under a reorganized Department of Interior and Local
Government. It is also the act that created the Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP).
Mandate and Functions of BFP

The following are the mandates and functions of BFP according to Section
54 of RA 6975:
• Be responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive

fires on:
- Building, houses and other structures;

- Forest;
- Land transportation vehicles and equipment;
- Ships and vessels docked at piers or wharves anchored in major sea
ports;
- Petroleum industry installations;
- Plane crashes; and
- Other similar activities.
• Be responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines
(PD 1185) and other related laws;
• Shall have the power to investigate all causes of fires and if necessary,
file the proper complaint with the city or provincial prosecutor who has
jurisdiction over the case;
• In the time of national emergency, all elements of the BFP shall upon
direction of the President, assist the AFP in meeting the national
emergency; and
• Shall establish at least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel,
firefighting facilities and equipment in every provincial capital, city and
municipality subject to standard rules and regulations as maybe
promulgated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) (Sec 56).
Rank Classification
The rank classification of the members of the BFP are as follows (RA 6975,
Sec. 58):
• Director
• Chief Superintendent
• Senior Superintendent
• Superintendent
• Chief Inspector
• Senior Inspector
• Inspector
• Senior Fire Officer IV
• Senior Fire Officer III
• Senior Fire Officer II
• Senior Fire Officer I
• Fire Officer III
• Fire Officer II
• Fire Officer I
Organizational Structure of BFP

According to RA. 6975, the Fire Bureau shall be headed by a chief who shall
be assisted by a deputy chief. It shall be composed of provincial offices,
district offices and city or municipal stations (RA, 6975, Section 55).
At the provincial level, there shall be an office of the provincial fire marshall
which shall implement the policies, plans and programs of the Department;
and monitor, evaluate and coordinate the operations and activities of the
fire service operating units at the city and municipal levels. In the case of
large provinces, district offices may be established, to be headed by a
district fire marshall (RA, 6975, Section 55).
At the city or municipal level, there shall be a fire station, each headed by a
city or municipal fire marshall: Provided, That, in the case of large cities
and municipalities, a district office with subordinate fire station's headed by
a district fire marshall may be organized as (RA, 6975, Section 55).
According to the Memorandum Circular No. 2019-002, the

organizational structure of BFP2 are as follows:
BFP NHQ PPB:

Chairperson: Deputy Chief for Administration
Vice-Chairperson: Chief Directorial Staff
Members:
Director for Human Resource Development
Director for Personnel and Records Management
Director for Intelligence and Investigation
Director for Information and Communications Technology Management
Director for Operation
Director for Plans
Director for Fire Safety and Enforcement
Director for Comptrollership
Director for Logistics
Head Secretariat: Chief, Human Resource Management Division
Member: Chief, Personnel Placement Section
Regional PPB:
Chairperson: Assistant Regional Director for Administration
Vice-Chairperson: Assistant Regional Director for Operation
Members:
Regional Chief of Staff
Chief, Operations Division
Chief, Logistics Division
Head Secretariat: Chief, Administrative Division
Member: Chief, Human Resource Management Section
District/Provincial PPB:
Chairperson: Chief, Administrative Branch
Vice-Chairperson: Chief, Operation Branch
Members:
Chief, Morale and Welfare Section
Chief, Intelligence and Investigation Section
Chief, Logistics Section
Secretariat: Chief, Personnel Section

The Republic Act No. 9263 or the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of March 10, 2004. It
is an act that provides for the professionalization of 2004, was signed by
the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the Bureau of Fire
Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management, and
Penology.
Minimum Qualifications of the BFP Uniformed Personnel

According to RA 9263, the following are the minimum requirement
for Uniformed Personnel of the BFP (RA 9263, Section 4):
1.A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

2. A person of good moral character;
3. Must have passed the psychiatric/psychological, drug and physical test
for the purpose of determining his/her physical and mental health;
4. Must possess a baccalaureate degree from recognized institution of
learning;
5. Must possess the appropriate civil service eligibility;
6. Must not have been dishonorably discharged of dismissal for cause from
previous employment;
7. Must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime
involving moral turpitude;
8. Must be at least one meter and sixty-two centimeters (1.62 m.) in height
for male, and one meter and fifty-seven centimeters (1.57 m.) for female:
Provided, That a waiver for height and age requirement \s shall be
automatically granted to applicants belonging to the cultural communities;
and
9. Must weight not more or less than five kilograms (5 kgs.) from the
standard weight corresponding to his/her height, age and sex.
CHAPTER 2
THE CONCEPT OF COMBUSTION AND FUEL

1. Define Combustion;
2. Differentiate the Fire triangle and the Fire Tetrahedron;
3. Identify the difference between Chemical reaction and Chain Reaction;
4. Explain Exothermic Chemical Reaction;
5. Define Fuel;
6. Identify the different types of Fuel;
7. Enumerate some examples of Fuel according to its typologies; and
8. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of fuels
in the industry.
What is Combustion?
Combustion is a chemical reaction between substances, usually
including oxygen and usually accompanied by the generation of heat and light
in the form of flame (Kondratiev, 2020). In simpler terms, it is a chemical
process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen and gives off heat
(NASA, 2021).
Types of Combustion
The following are the types of combustion:
1. Complete Combustion
In Complete combustion, the burning fuel will produce only water

and carbon dioxide (no smoke or other products). The flame is typically
blue. For this to happen, there needs to be enough oxygen to combine
completely with the fuel gas (sciencelearn.org.nz, 2009).
2. Incomplete Combustion
Incomplete combustion occurs when the supply of air or oxygen

is poor. Water is still produced, but carbon monoxide and carbon are
produced instead of carbon dioxide. The burning flame is typically yellow
or orange and there is smoke.
3. Rapid Combustion
Rapid energy needs external heat energy for the reaction to occur.
The combustion produces a large amount of heat and light energy and
does so rapidly. The combustion will carry on as long as the fuel is
available.
4. Spontaneous Combustion
The combustion in which no external heat is given is known as
spontaneous combustion. It requires no external energy for the
combustion to start. It happens due to self- heating. A substance with
low-ignition temperatures gets heated and this heat is unable to escape.
The temperature rises above ignition point and in the presence of
sufficient oxygen combustion will happen.
5. Explosive Combustion
Explosive Combustion happens when the reaction occurs very

rapidly. The reaction occurs when something ignites to produce heat,
light and sound energy.
The Fire Triangle

Combustion is another word for burning. The fire triangle is also referred
to as the combustion triangle. It is an easily understandable model that
explains the ingredients required for combustion. It graphically illustrates the
three criteria required for a fire, which are ignition, fuel and an oxidizing
agent. Without one of these three ingredients, fire is impossible.
Figure 1
Fire Triangle
Three things must be present at the same time in order to produce fire:
Oxygen
• Enough oxygen to sustain combustion
• Oxygen is needed to sustain the combustion reaction since it reacts
with the burning fuel release with the burning fuel to release carbon
dioxide and heat. the atmosphere of the earth consists of 21
percent oxygen, which means that there's enough to trigger a fire
as long as the other two components are present.
Heat
• enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature;
• A heat source is necessary for ignition to occur and different
materials have different ‘flash points’ or the lowest temperatures
at which they can ignite.
• Combustion reactions, however, also produce heat as they burn,
which further increase the fuels temperature. The heat may be
cooled by applying water, but this is only possible for some types
of fire.
Fuel
• These are combustible material.
• Fire cannot start if there isn’t any material available to burn.
Businesses and homes alike are full of flammable materials
including fabrics, wood, oil, and paper. Any of these materials can
serve as fuel for a fire.
• Some of the materials burn more easily compared to others. Fuel
is probably the hardest ‘side’ of the fire triangle to remove, so it is
advisable to ensure that they are appropriate stored so that they
don’t become a fire hazard.
The Fire Tetrahedron

Further research into fire led to the conclusion that a fourth element as
a necessary component of fire, which is an exothermic chemical chain
reaction. The fire triangle was subsequently changed to a fire tetrahedron
to reflect the fourth element.
Figure 2
Fire Tetrahedron
Chain Reaction and Chemical Reaction

Chain Reaction is a self-sustaining sequence, a process yielding
products that initiate further processes of the same kind. It is a series of
reaction where the products contribute to the reactants of another reaction
without outside influence. A chemical chain reaction is a series of chemical
reactions where the products of the reaction contribute to the reactants of
another reaction.
There are three stages in chemical chain reaction
1. Initiation
This is where a reactive intermediate, which may be an atom, an

ion, or a neutral molecular fragment, is formed, usually through the
action of an agent such as light, heat, or a catalyst.
2. Propagation
The intermediate reacts with the original reactants, producing
stable products and another intermediate, whether of the same or
different kind; the new intermediate reacts as before, so a repetitive
cycle begins.
3. Termination
This may be natural, as when all the reactants have been consumed or
the containing vessel causes the chain carriers to recombine as fast as they
are formed, but more often is induced intentionally by introduction of
substances called inhibitors or antioxidants.
Chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances, the

reactants, are converted to one or more different substances, the products.
Substances are either chemical elements or compounds. It rearranges the
constituent atoms of the reactants to create different substances as products.
Chemical reactions occur when chemical bonds between atoms are
formed or broken. Energy plays a key role in chemical processes. Bonds
between atoms in the reactants must be broken, and the atoms or pieces of
molecules are reassembled into products by forming new bonds. The
substances that go into a chemical reaction are called the reactants, and the
substances produced at the end of the reaction are known as the products.
An arrow is drawn between the reactants and products to indicate the
direction of the chemical reaction.
Chemical element is defined as a material which cannot be broken
down or changed into another substance using chemical means. It is
considered to be the building blocks of matter. Chemical compounds are
any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or
more chemical elements. It can be classified into two; inorganic and organic
compound. Inorganic compound are compounds that are made up of two
or more elements other than carbon (C). Organic compounds are
substances that contain carbon (C), and carbon atoms provide the key
structural framework that generates the vast diversity of organic compounds.
Endothermic Reaction and Exothermic Reaction

As indicated earlier, energy plays a key role in chemical processes.
Energy is used to break bonds in reactants, and energy is released when new
bonds form in products. Endothermic reaction is any chemical reaction that
absorbs heat from its environment. The word endothermic is derived from
“endo”, the Greek word for inside, and “therme” the Greek word for heat.
The absorbed energy provides the activation energy for the reaction to occur.
A hallmark of this type of reaction is that it feels cold. An example of
endothermic reaction is the melting ice cubes.
Figure 3
Endothermic Reaction
Exothermic reactions are chemical reactions that produce heat. The

word exothermic is derived from exo, the Greek word for outside, and therme,
the Greek word for heat. Energy, often in the form of heat, is released as an
exothermic reaction proceeds. The general equation for an exothermic
reaction is:
Reactants → Products + Energy
All combustion reactions are exothermic reactions. During a combustion
reaction, a substance burns as it combines with oxygen. When substances
burn, they usually give off energy as heat and light. For example, the
combustion of wood is an exothermic reaction that releases a lot of energy
as heat and light. The light energy the fire is giving off is visible. If a person
is standing near the fire, he/she would also feel its heat.
Figure 4
Exothermic Reactions
What is a Fuel?
A fuel is any compound which has stored energy. It is any substance
that can provide heat and produce energy when it is burned. In other words,
fuel is any material used to produce heat or power by burning. This energy
that releases is generally in the form of chemical energy or heat energy. The
recent invention of nuclear technology means now even nuclear energy may
be released due to nuclear fission or fusion.
The substances classified as fuel must necessarily contain one or several
of the combustible elements: carbon, hydrogen, Sulphur, etc. In the process
of combustion, the chemical energy of fuel is converted into heat energy. To
utilize the energy of fuel in most usable form, it is required to transform the
fuel from its one state to another (from solid to liquid or gaseous state, liquid
to gaseous state) or from its chemical energy to some other form of energy
via single or many stages. In this way, the energy of fuels can be utilized
more effectively and efficiently for various purposes.
Types of Fuels
Here are the types of fuels and their characteristics:
1. Solid Fuels
Solid Fuel refers to various types of solid material that are used
to produce energy and provide heating, released through combustion
(de Souza-Santos, 2004). The various advantages and disadvantages of
solid fuels are given below:
Advantages Disadvantages
They are easy to Their ash content is
transport high
They are convenient to Their large portion of
store without any risk of heat is wasted.
spontaneous explosion
Their cost of production They burn with clinker
is low formation.
They posses moderate Their combustion
ignition temperature operation cannot be
controlled easily
Their cost of handling is
high.
Solid Fuels are mainly classified into two categories:

• Natural Solid Fuels- these are natural occurring fuels.
− Wood-It is vegetable tissue of trees and bushes. It is the
most commonly used and easily obtainable solid fuel. It is the
oldest type of fuel which man had used for centuries after the
discovery of the fire itself. It consists of mainly cellular tissue
and lignin and lesser parts of fat and tar, as well as sugar.
− Coal- It is a black sedimentary rock that can be burned for
fuel. It is defined as having more than 50 percent by weight
(or 70 percent by volume) carbonaceous matter produced by
the compaction and hardening of altered plant remains-
namely, peat deposits.
• Manufactured Solid Fuels- is any solid fuel made from coal, wood,
plant-derived materials, waxes or petroleum products, mixed with
other ingredients.
− Charcoal- it is an odorless, tasteless, fine black powder, or black
porous solid consisting of carbon, and any remaining ash, obtained
by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and
vegetation substances. It is produced by the incomplete
combustion of plant or animal products.
− Coke-it is a fuel used in the steel making process that is created
by heating coal in the absence of air. It is produced by heating coal
at high temperatures, for long periods of time. This heating is called
"thermal distillation" or "pyrolysis."
− Briquette- it is a compressed block of coal dust or other
combustible material (such as charcoal, sawdust, wood chips, peat,
or paper) used for fuel as well as for kindling to start a fire.
2. Liquid Fuels
Liquids Fuels are any fuel in liquid form at standard temperature

and preasure. The various advantages and disadvantages of liquid fuels
are given below.
They posses higher The cost of liquid fuel is
calorific value per unit mass relatively much higher as
than solid fuels. compared to solid fuel.
They burn without dust, Costly special storage
ash, clinkers, etc. tanks are required for storing
liquid fuels.
Their firing is easier and There is a greater risk of
also fire can be extinguished five hazards particularly, in
easily by stopping liquid fuel case of highly inflammable
supply. and volatile liquid fuels.
They can be stored For efficient burning of
indefinitely without any loss. liquid fuels, specially
constructed burners and
spraying apparatus are
required.
They are clean in use
and economic to handle.
Loss of heat in chimney
is very low due to greater
cleanliness. They require less
excess air for complete
combustion. They require
less furnace space for
combustion.
They require less excess
air for complete combustion.
They require less
furnace space for
combustion.
Liquid Fuels are classified as follows:

• Natural or crude oil- Crude oil is a naturally occurring petroleum
product composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic
materials. It is a nonrenewable resource, which means that it can't
be replaced naturally at the rate we consume it and is, therefore,
a limited resource.
- Petroleum is a basic natural fuel (crude oil). It is a dark
greenish brown, viscous mineral oil, found deep in earth's crust.
It is mainly composed of various hydrocarbons (like straight
chain paraffins, cycloparaffins or napthenes, olefins, and
aromatics) together with small amount of organic compounds
containing oxygen nitrogen and sulphur. The average
composition of crude petroleum is: C = 79.5 to 87.1%; H = 11.5
to 14.8%; S = 0.1 to 3.5%, N and O = 0.1 to 0.5%.
Types of Petroleum
− Paraffinic Base Type Crude Petroleum- This type of
petroleum is mainly composed of the saturated hydrocarbons
from CH to C, H, and a little of the napthenes and aromatics.
The hydrocarbons from C, Hg to C H12 are sometimes called
waxes.
− Asphaltic Base Type Crude Petroleum- It contains mainly
cycloparaffins or napthenes with smaller amount of paraffins
and aromatic hydrocarbons.
− Mixed Base Type Crude Petroleum- It contains both
paraffinic and asphaltic hydrocarbons and are generally rich
in semi-solid waxes.
• Artificial or Manufactured Oils- These are obtained mostly by

fractional distillation of crude petroleum or of Liquefaction coal.
➢ Gasoline or Petrol- It is a mixture of volatile, derived
flammable liquid hydrocarbons from petroleum and used as
fuel for internal- combustion engines. It is also used as a
solvent for oils and fats. It is obtained either from distillation
of crude petroleum or by synthesis. It contains some
undesirable unsaturated straight chain hydrocarbons and
sulphur compounds. It has boiling range of 40-120°C.
➢ Diesel Fuel or Gas Oil- It is a combustible liquid used as fuel
for diesel engines, ordinarily obtained from fractions of crude
oil that are less volatile than the fractions used in gasoline. It
releases more energy on combustion than equal volumes of
gasoline, so diesel engines generally produce better fuel
economy than gasoline engines. It is obtained between 250-
320°C during the fractional distillation of crude petroleum.
This oil generally contains 85% C. 12% H. Its calorific value
is about 11,000 kcal/kg.
➢ Kerosene Oil- It is also called paraffin or paraffin oil,
flammable hydrocarbon liquid commonly used as a fuel. It is
typically pale yellow or colorless and has a not-unpleasant
characteristic odor. It is obtained from petroleum and is used
for burning in kerosene lamps and domestic heaters or
furnaces, as a fuel or fuel component for jet engines, and as
a solvent for greases and insecticides. It is obtained between
180-250°C during fractional distillation of crude petroleum.
➢ Heavy Oil- it is a high density, highly viscous petroleum
product from petrochemical refining. Its high content of sulfur,
heavy metals, wax, and carbon residues makes it unsuitable
for combustion. It is a fraction obtained between 320-400°C
during fractional distillation of crude petroleum. This oil on
refractionation gives:
- Lubricating oils which are used as lubricants.
- Petroleum-jelly (Vaseline) which is used as lubricants
in medicines and in cosmetics.
- Greases which are used as lubricants.
- Paraffin wax which is used in candles, boot
polishes, wax paper, tarpaulin cloth and for electrical
insulation purposes.
3. Gaseous fuel
Gaseous fuel means a material that is in the gaseous state at

standard atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions and that is
combusted to produce heat and/or energy. The various advantages and
disadvantages of gaseous fuels are given below:
They can be conveyed Very large storage tanks
easily through pipelines to are needed.
the actual place of need,
thereby eliminating manual
labor in transportation.
They can be lighted at They are highly
ease. inflammable, so chances of
fire hazards in their use is
high.
They have high heat
contents and hence help us in
having higher temperatures.
They can be pre-heated
by the heat of hot waste
gases, thereby affecting
economy in heat.
Their combustion can
readily by controlled for
change in demand like
oxidizing or reducing
atmosphere, length flame,
temperature, etc.
They are clean in use.
They do not require any
special burner.
They burn without any
shoot, or smoke and ashes.
They are free from
impurities found in solid and
liquid fuels.
The Two Types of Gaseous Fuels are:

• Natural Gas- It is the cleanest fuel compared to crude oil and other
gases because it produces less carbon dioxide. It is also called methane
gas or natural methane gas, colorless highly flammable gaseous
hydrocarbon consisting primarily of methane and ethane.
Natural gas moved into large cracks and spaces between layers of
overlying rock. The natural gas found in these types of formations is
sometimes called conventional natural gas. In other places, natural
gas occurs in the tiny pores (spaces) within some formations of shale,
sandstone, and other types gas or tight gas, and it is sometimes called
unconventional of sedimentary rock. This natural gas is referred to as
shale gas or tight gas, and it is sometimes called unconventional
natural gas. Natural gas also occurs with deposits of crude oil, and this
natural gas is called associated natural gas. Natural gas deposits are
found on land, and some are offshore and deep under the ocean floor.
A type of natural gas found in coal deposits is called coalbed methane.
• Manufactured Gas- These are obtained from solid and liquid fuels.
− Coal Gas- It is obtained when it is carbonized or heated in absence
of air at about 1300°C in either coke ovens or gas-making retorts.
In gas making retort process coal is fed in closed silica retorts,
which are then heated to about 1300°C by burning producer gas
and air mixture. It is a colorless gas having a characteristic odor.
It is lighter than air and burns with a long smoky flame.
− Blast Furnace Gas- It is a by product flue gas obtained during the
reduction of ion ore by coke in the blast furnace. It is produced
during the iron oxide reduction in blast furnace iron making in
which iron ore, coke and limestone are heated and melted in a blast
furnace and is an indigenous process gas of the steelworks
industry. Blast furnace gas has a high carbon monoxide (CO)
content and a low heating value.
− Water Gas- It is a combustion fuel containing carbon monoxide
(CO) and hydrogen gas (H2). Water gas is made by passing steam
over heated hydrocarbons. The reaction between steam and
hydrocarbons produces synthesis gas. The water- gas shift reaction
can be used to reduce carbon dioxide levels and enrich hydrogen
content, making water gas.
− Producer Gas- It a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrogen (H), carbon dioxide (CO) and nitrogen (N). In the USA,
producer gas is a generic term referring to wood gas, town gas or
syngas. In the UK, producer gas, also known as suction gas, means
a fuel gas made from coke or other carbonaceous material.
Biofuel
Biofuel is any fuel that is derived from biomass-that is, plant or algae
material or animal waste. Since such feedstock material can be replenished
readily, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike fossil
fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Biomass is organic, meaning
it is made of material that comes from living organisms, such as plants and
animals. The most common biomass materials used for energy are plants,
wood, and waste. These are called biomass feedstocks. Biomass energy
can also be a nonrenewable energy source.
CHAPTER 3
BEHAVIOR AND NATURE OF FIRE
1. Define Fire;
2. Identify the Classification of Fire;
3. Define Heat?
4. Enumerate and Explain the Ways of Spreading Fire;
5. Differentiate Traditional and Modern Content Fires;
6. Explain the different Stages in the development of Traditional Content
Fires;
7. Explain the different Stages in the development of Modern Content
Fires; and
8. Enumerate the BFP's Fire Alarm Levels.
What is Fire?
According to the Republic Act No. 9514 or the Fire Code of the by the
heat and light of the combustion. The ancient Greeks believed Philippines of
2008, fire is the active principle of burning, characterized that fire was one
the four basic elements that composed all things in the universe. In the
mythology of virtually every culture, fire is a sacred substance that gives life
or power. Fire is not, a substance. When you gaze at the leaping flames of a
campfire, you're observing not an object, but a process - a chemical reaction
called oxidation. It's the same chemical reaction that occurs when a cut apple
left on the counter turns brown, when silver tarnishes or when an iron nail
rusts. It is a rapid oxidation process accompanied with the evolution of light
and heat of varying intensities.
It is the result of a chemical reaction called combustion (see chapter 2).
At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition point, flames
are produced. Ordinarily, flames consist primarily of carbon dioxide, water
vapor, oxygen, and nitrogen.
The heat generated by the (combustion) reaction is what sustains the
fire. The heat of the flame will keep remaining fuel at ignition temperature.
The flame ignites gases being emitted, and the fire spreads. As long as there
is enough fuel and oxygen, the fire keeps burning.
Fires can cause a lot of harm to people and some examples of the
hazards are:
• Heat- It is the most obvious hazard from a fire is the actual flames.
These flames can burn a person's skin as well as eyes and lungs. Burns
are life threatening to a large extent and extremely painful.
• Smoke- When a fire burns, smoke is often given off. This smoke can be
inhaled and cause serious harm to the lungs. Majority of fires which
result in death actually come about from smoke inhalation rather than
burns.
• Lack of oxygen- Oxygen is one of the three components needed for a
fire, it is used up quickly. This means that the fire can burn through the
oxygen in a room and leave none for people in the vicinity to breathe.
• Damage to the environment- As a fire burns it will cause damage to
the surrounding building or other things in the environment. This has
the potential to cause further harm if the surroundings collapse.
Classification of Fire
Fire can be classified depending on the fuel used in combustion. They
are as follows:
• Class A: Ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper,

rubber and many plastics. They burn with an ember and leave an ash.
Extinguish by cooling the fuel to a temperature that is below the ignition
temp. Water and other extinguishing agents are effective.
• Class B: Flammable liquids (burn at room temperature) and
combustible liquids (require heat to ignite). Petroleum greases, tars,
oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases.
High fire hazard; water may not extinguish. Extinguish by creating a
barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, such as layer of foam.
• Class C: Fuels that would be A or B except that they involve energized
electrical equipment. Special techniques and agents required to
extinguish, most commonly carbon dioxide or dry chemical agents. Use
of water is very dangerous because water conducts electricity.
• Class D: Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
sodium, lithium and potassium. Most cars contain numerous such
metals. Because of extremely high flame temperatures, water can break
down into hydrogen and oxygen, enhancing burning or exploding.
Extinguish with special powders based on sodium chloride or other salts;
also clean dry sand.
• Class K: Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking
media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
FIGURE 6
Types of Fire
Types of Fire
What is Heat?
Heat is an energy that is transferred from one body to another as the
result of a difference in temperature15. If two bodies at different
temperatures are brought together, energy is transferred, for example., heat
flows from the hotter body to the colder.
Heat energy is the result of the movement of tiny particles called atoms,
molecules or ions in solids, liquids and gases. All matter is made of tiny
particles called atoms, molecules and ions. These tiny particles always in
motion - either bumping into each other or vibrating back and forth. It is the
motion of particles that creates a form of energy called heat (or thermal)
energy that is present in all matter. The particles in solids are tightly packed
and can only vibrate. The particles in liquids also vibrate but are able to move
around by rolling over each other and sliding around. In gases, the particles
move freely with rapid, random motion.
At higher temperatures, particles have more energy. Some of this
energy can be transmitted to other particles that are at a lower temperature.
For example, in the gas state, when a fast-moving particle collides with a
slower moving particle, it transfers some of its energy to the slower moving
particle, increasing the speed of that particle. With billions of moving particles
colliding into each other, an area of high energy will slowly transfer across
the material until thermal equilibrium is reached.
The effect of this transfer of energy usually, but not always, is an
increase in the temperature of the colder body and a decrease in the
temperature of the hotter body. A substance may absorb heat without an
increase in temperature by changing from one physical state (or phase) to
another, as form a solid to a liquid (melting), from a solid to a vapor
(sublimation), from a liquid to a vapor (boiling), or from one solid form to
another.
How Does Fire Spread?

Fire spreads by transferring the heat energy from the flames through
the following (NFPA, 2022):
1. Conduction- The passage of heat energy through or within a material

because of direct contact, such as a burning wastebasket heating a
nearby couch, which ignites and heats the drapes hanging behind, until
they too burst into flames (NFPA, 2022).
2. Convection- The flow of fluid or gas from hot areas to cooler areas. The
heated air is less dense, and rises, while cooler air descends. A large fire
in an open area produces plume of column of hot gas and smoke high
into the air. But inside a room, those rising gases encounter the ceiling.
They travel horizontally along the ceiling forming a thick layer of heated
air, which then moves downward.
3. Radiation- Heat traveling via electromagnetic waves, without objects
or gases carrying it along. Radiated heat goes out in all directions,
unnoticed until it strikes an object. Burning buildings can radiate heat
to surrounding structures, sometimes even passing through glass
windows and igniting objects inside.
STAGES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT
Traditional Fire Development
Traditional Fire Development refers to the stages of the development
of legacy content fires. It is comprised of the growth stage (incipient), the
fully developed stage (free-burning), and the decay stage (smoldering).
Legacy fires contain a relatively low heat release rate especially when
compared to hydrocarbon commonly based products. Which may primarily
consist of natural fiber contents such as wood, wools, and also cottons. Which
is not as toxic as the chemicals that are in modern fire contents.
Growth Stage (Incipient)
During the growth stage a fire increases in size from small flames to full
fire that involves the entire room. It may take several seconds to several
hours for this to occur. With the initial flame as a heat source, additional fuel
ignites. Convection and radiation ignite more surfaces. The size of the fire
increases and the plume reaches the ceiling. Hot gases collecting at the
ceiling transfer heat, allowing all fuels in a room to come closer to their
ignition temperature at the same time.
Fire Growth is dependent on the following:
• Combustible content (fuel load).

• Oxygen supply (ventilation openings).
• Size of room.
• Insulation of room.
Ignition stage is the point where the fire starts. There is plenty
oxygen, little heat and smoke. Fire is still small and generally confined to the
fuel that initially ignited. This is where fuel, oxygen and heat join together in
a sustained chemical reaction. At this stage, a fire extinguisher can control
the fire.
Incipient refers to the pre-heat or pre-ignition. As an ember lands
within a load of flammable material, a fuel source, such as pine needles and
leaves left in rain gutters, it is setting the stage for ignition to occur. With the
help of oxygen, the ember increases in heat and strength.
Rollover is the condition when flammable gases released by the burning
material collect at the ceiling level and mix with oxygen. The heated gases
are pushed under pressure from the fire area into uninvolved areas. When
this mixture ignites, flashes of flame can be seen in this layer of smoke.
Rollover should serve as a warning that the fire area may flashover.
Flash over refers to the transition between growth and fully developed
stage. It is the sudden involvement of a room or area in flames from floor to
ceiling caused by thermal radiation feedback 20 (Davie County Fire Marshal's
Office, 2018). At this point there is a presence of huge smoke" which indicates
the rapid change of situation. The combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel
increase the odds of the fire growing to the next stage. This is when the
structure becomes the next available fuel source, the fire begins to spread
beyond the initial ignition point. Flames are visible and gaining ground. The
increase in level of smoke decreases the visibility.
Fully Developed Stage (Free-burning)

In the fully developed stage, the entire room and contents are involved
in fire. This is where all combustibles materials present are continuously
burning. If no efforts were made to extinguish the fire, the fire would continue
to burn until the available fuel and/or oxygen in the room or area was
consumed. This is the most dangerous phase of a fire, and the hottest. At the
peak of combustion, once all the material has been ignited, the fire begins its
downward spiral.
Because of limited ventilation, most structure fires22 are air regulated,
not fuel regulated. The volume of fire is dependent of the number and size of
ventilation openings Unburned gases begin flowing to adjacent spaces and
ignite once it enters a space where air more abundant. This means that fires
will move into the decay stage due to insufficient oxygen. Outside fires are
fuel regulated. The duration and the extent of an outside fire is controlled by
the amount of fuel available, not oxygen.
Decay Stage (Smoldering)

This stage happens when the available oxygen is consumed. Although
some oxygen remains in the fire area, visible flames have started to diminish,
and the fire continues to smolder. This also happens when the fire consumes
available fuel. With a decrease in fuel or oxygen, the fire reduces down to
embers and ash. This is a dangerous phase because any introduction of new
fuel loads or increase in oxygen could reinvigorate the fire. This is the longest
stage of a fire; in fact, it often takes weeks to fully extinguish all embers and
firebrands from a large fire.
Backdraft is a smoke explosion which can occur when additional
oxygen is introduced into a smoldering fire and the heated gases enter
their flammable range and ignite with explosive force. After a fire
burning in a confined area consumes all the oxygen, visible flames
disappear, solid fuels smolder, and hot flammable gases accumulate and
fill the room. The temperature increases, the gases expand, and
pressure builds, pulsing against doors and windows. From outside, the
building may look like it is breathing or throbbing. If an opening is made
to admit oxygen, the hot vaporized fuel bursts into flames, and the
pressurized gases explode through the opening, resulting in a rolling
fireball.
Warning signs of a possible backdraft include:
• Heavy dense smoke with no visible flame in a tightly closed

occupancy
• Black smoke pushing out around closed doors or window frames.
• Glass stained with smoke condensation and pulsating from the
pressure of the fire.
• Reversal of air movement pulling smoke back into a building
through a doorway.
Progression of Modern Content Fires

Modern content fires are largely comprised of hydrocarbons and
synthetics which rapidly consume the available oxygen in the air as they burn
at a greater rate than legacy content fires. Modern content fires are
ventilation limited fires due to their higher fuel load. An additional
contributing factor is the energy efficient construction of buildings, which limit
the amount of available oxygen within the fire area.
Modern content fires enter an early decay stage due to the limited
available oxygen, producing heavy smoke and varying heat conditions. The
needed oxygen to support rapid fire expansion can be provided by improper
ventilation tactics or if the windows fail. If indications of an early decay stage
exist upon arrival, uncontrolled and/or uncoordinated ventilation can have
tragic implications for both civilians and operating members.
The progression of modern content fires differs from the traditional fire
development curve as follows:
• Incipient stage
• A rapid Growth stage that consumes the available oxygen very quickly.
• Due to limited ventilation, modern content fires rapidly consume the
available oxygen within the fire area, they enter into an earlier Oxygen
Limited Decay Stage when compared to traditional or legacy fires, and
will remain in the Decay stage if no additional oxygen is added to the
fire area.
• When units encounter this earlier decay stage, they shall control the
ventilation of windows and maintain control of the door to the fire area.
These actions will limit the in-flow of additional air into the space so as
not to provide additional oxygen to the fire. The fire will pull the in-flow
of any additional air towards the fire area. Wind blowing in towards a
ventilation opening will increase the air flow towards the fire area.
• If additional oxygen is admitted to the heated atmosphere through
ventilation openings, the following can occur:
− The fire regains its energy, increases its heat release rate and
enters into a rapid Second Growth Stage, generating more heat
and increased smoke production.
− This may be followed by a Ventilation Induced Flashover and
transition into the Fully Developed Stage.
− It ends in a Second Decay Stage as the fuel load is depleted or
the fire is extinguished.
Fire Alarm Levels

Fire Alarm Level is the prescribed boundaries of fire alarm or
conflagration situation equated according to the number apparatus coming
from one or various fire station(s) and/or municipalities having the capability
to extinguish fire. (BFP MC no. 2011-84, 2011). According to the Bureau of
Fire Protection the following is the Fire Alarm Level in the Philippines:
• Fire out - Fire has been neutralized

• Under Control - Decreasing Fire Risk
• General Alarm - Fire affecting Major Part of Area, it needs 80 Fire
Trucks.
• Task Force Delta - Fire affecting Significant Part of Area, it needs 36
Fire Trucks
• Task Force Charlie - Fire affecting Significant Part of Area, it needs 32
Fire Trucks
• Task Force Bravo - Fire affecting 15 X 15 Houses, it needs 28 Fire
Trucks
• Task Force Alpha - Fire affecting 12 X 12 Houses, it needs 24 Fire
Trucks
• Fifth Alarm - Fire affecting 10-11 Houses or High-Rise Building, it needs
20 Fire Trucks
• Fourth Alarm - Fire affecting 8-9 Houses or High-Rise Building, it
needs16 Fire Trucks
• Third Alarm - Fire affecting 6-7 Houses or High-Rise Building, it
needs12 Fire Trucks
• Second Alarm - Fire affecting 4-5 Houses, it needs 8 Fire Trucks
• First Alarm - Fire affecting 2-3 Houses, it needs 4 Fire Trucks
Fires in the Philippines are classified under alarm levels systems

implemented by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The decision on which alarm level
to call during a fire, initially depends on the assessment of the Fire Ground
Commander, an officer under BFP who heads the substation which has
jurisdiction over the area damaged by the fire.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd alarms are under the responsibility of the fire
substation and the Ground Commander. The fire district is responsible for the
4th and 5th alarms. It is the District Fire Marshal’s job to assess the situation
and decide if the alarm should be raised to a Task Force-level.
CHAPTER 4
LEGAL PROVISIONS ON FIRE SAFETY AND

PREVENTION IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. Define Fire Safety and Fire Prevention;

2. Identify the salient points of the Republic Act No. 9514;
3. Identify some of the Hazardous Materials and Processes;
4. Enumerate the Prohibited acts under RA 9514;
5. Identify the salient points of the Presidential Decree No. 1613 of 1979
6. Differentiate destructive arson and Simple arson;
7. Explain the special aggravating circumstances in Arson;
8. Explain the importance of Presidential Decree No. 1096 of 1977 in Fire
Safety and Prevention; and
9. Identify the important points of Presidential Decree No. 1096 of 1977 in
fire safety.
Fire Safety and Prevention
Fire safety refers to planning and infrastructure design aimed at
reducing the risk of fire or impeding the spread of a fire when one does break
out. It encompasses the use of fire-resistant building materials, preventive
actions, safe work practices, fire safety training, flame-resistant protective
clothing, and more.
Fire prevention is a never-ending recognition, analysis, development,
implementation, and reevaluation of programs, strategies and technologies
to deal with the varied hazards and risks posed by fire. Its desired outcome
is to provide a means to eliminate or reduce the frequency and severity of
fires and to save lives.
Legal Provisions on Fire Safety, and Prevention in the Philippines

The Philippines like any other countries in the globe acknowledges and
recognizes the risks and destruction caused by fires. In order to ensure public
safety and to promote economic development through the prevention and
suppression of all kinds of destructive fires the following legal provisions are
legislated and implemented in the country.

The Republic Act No. 9514 also known as the "Fire Code of the
Philippines of 2008", is an act that establishes a comprehensive Fire Code
in the country. This is to ensure public safety, promote economic development
through the prevention and suppression of all kinds, of destructive fires, and
promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession.
According to the Section 5 of the RA 9514, The Fire Code of the
Philippines of 2008 is administered and enforced by the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) under the direct supervision and control of the Chief of
the Bureau of Fire Protection. The following are some of the things that
the Chief, BFP, is authorized to do (RA 9514, Section 5):
• Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards,

schedules of fees/fire service charges and administrative penalties as
provided in the pertinent provisions of RA 9514;
• Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;
• Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer
organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire
suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency medical services and
related emergency response trainings and competency evaluations to
be conducted by the BFP;
• Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or
negotiations in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184 or the acquisition
of fire prevention, fire protection and fire fighting investigation, rescue,
paramedics, hazardous material handling equipment, supplies,
materials and related technical services necessary for the fire service;
• Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus,
agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private
institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and coordination and
delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire
prevention, and fire suppression;
• Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local
government assistance to render necessary assistance in the
enforcement of RA 9514;
• Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized
representative, who shall conduct an inspection of every building or
structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year.
Fire Safety Inspection Requirement

According to the Section 7.a of the Fire Code of the Philippines of Cureau
of Fir 2008, a fire safety inspection conducted by the Chief of the BFP or
his/her duly authorized representative is a prerequisite to the grants of
permits and/or licenses by local governments for the following:
1. Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their premises

including the installation or fire protection and fire safety equipment,
and electrical system in any building structure or facility; and
2. Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible,
flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials;
Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials, and Hazardous

Operation/Processes
Hazardous Materials or Hazmat refers to substances that are toxic,
poisonous, radioactive, flammable, or explosive and can cause death from
exposure. Fire safety measures are for the manufacture, storage, handling
and/or use of hazardous materials involving (RA 9514, Section 7.b):
• cellulose nitrate plastic23 of any kind;

• combustible fibers;
• cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and plastic foam;
• flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any classification;
• flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;
• high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;
• metallic magnesium in any form;
• corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide, nitromethane,
ammonium nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic, pyrophoric,
hypergolic, or cryogenic materials or poisonous gases;
• blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive materials,
blasting caps, black powder, liquid nitroglycerine, dynamite, nitro
cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and plastic explosives;
• firework materials of any kind or form;
• matches in commercial quantities;
• hot ashes, live coals and embers;
• mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/ by-products;
• combustible waste materials for recycling or resale;
• explosive dusts and vapors; and
• agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may undergo
spontaneous combustion;
Hazardous Operation/Process is any act of manufacturing,

fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely
to cause fires or explosions (Section 3, RA 9514). Fire safety measures are
required for the following hazardous operation/processes (Section 7.c, RA
9514):
• welding or soldering;
• industrial baking and drying;
• waste disposal;
• pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;
• smelting" and forging;
• motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps; and
• refining, distillation and solvent extraction.
Fire Safety Programs

Owners, occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their
premises or facilities, needs to incorporate and provide fire safety
construction, protective and warning system, and develop/implement fire
safety programs, this includes the following (Section 7.d, RA 9514):
• Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose

reels or standpipe systems and other firefighting equipment;
• Fire alarm systems;
• Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage
areas from other occupancies in the same building;
• Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors
and walls extending up to the next floor slab or roof, curtain boards and
other fire containing or stopping components;
• Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way
or safe dispersal area;
• Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of egress
sealed from smoke and heat;
• A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from
each other room to appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the door
of such room;
• Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;
• Fire dampers in centralized air-conditioning ducts;
• Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and
• Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency lights to
adequately illuminate exit ways in case of power failure.
Prohibited Acts under RA 9514

The following acts are prohibited under the Fire Code of the
Philippines 2008 (RA 9514, Section 8):
1. Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly

marked for fire safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in
interior rooms, any part of stairways, hallways, corridors, vestibules,
balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any kind, or
tolerating or allowing said violations;
2. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components
and yards, and temporary or permanent structures on public ways,
which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and
equipment;
3. Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire
service, or of duly organized and authorized fire brigades;
4. Obstructing designated fire lanes43 or access to fire hydrants;
5. Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity
in movie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public
assembly buildings, except in other assembly areas on the ground floor
with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe exits;
6. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;
7. Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke
partitions or dampers;
8. Use of fire protective or firefighting equipment of the fire service other
than for firefighting except in other emergencies where their use is
justified;
9. Giving false or malicious fire alarms;
10. Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or
throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start
or cause fire;
11. Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner
without appropriate safety measures;
12. Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark,
seal, sign or tag posted or required by the fire service for fire safety in
any building, structure or processing equipment; and
13. Use of jumpers44 or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the
electrical system beyond its designated capacity or such other practices
that would tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical
system.
Presidential Decree No. 1613 of 1979

The Presidential Decree No. 1613 of 1979 is a decree amending the
law on Arson. It was signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos on March
7, 1979. Arson is defined as the intentional or malicious destruction of a
property by fire. It is also defined as the criminal burning of property.
Destructive Arson and Simple Arson
According to PD 1613, arson is committed by any person who burns or
sets fire to the property of another or his/her own property under
circumstances which expose to danger the life or property of another45 (PD
1613, Section 1). The nature of Destructive Arson is distinguished from
Simple Arson by the degree of perversity or viciousness of the criminal
offender.
Destructive Arson is arson committed on the following properties:
• Any ammunition factory and other establishment where explosives,

inflammable or combustible materials are stored;
• Any archive, museum, whether public or private, or any edifice devoted
to culture, education or social services;
• Any church or place of worship or other building where people usually
assemble.
• Any train, airplane or any aircraft, vessel or watercraft, or conveyance
for transportation of persons or property;
• Any building where evidence is kept for use in any legislative, judicial,
administrative or other official proceedings;
• Any hospital, hotel, dormitory, lodging house, housing tenement,
shopping center, public or private market, theater or movie house or any
similar place or building; and
• Any building, whether used as a dwelling or not, situated in a populated
or congested area.
Other cases of Arson include the burning of the following properties:
• Any building used as offices of the government or any of its agencies;

• Any inhabited house or dwelling;
• Any industrial establishment, shipyard, oil well or mine shaft, platform
or tunnel;
• Any plantation, farm, pastureland, growing crop, grain field, orchard,
bamboo grove or forest;
• Any rice mill, sugar mill, cane mill or mill central; and
• Any railway or bus station, airport, wharf or warehouse.
It is important to note that the acts committed constituting Destructive

Arson are characterized as heinous crimes for being grievous, odious and
hateful offenses and which, by reason of their inherent or manifest
wickedness, viciousness, atrocity and perversity are repugnant and
outrageous to the common standards and norms of decency and morality in
a just, civilized and ordered society. On the other hand, acts committed
constituting Simple Arson are crimes with a lesser degree of perversity and
viciousness that the law punishes with a lesser penalty. In simpler terms,
Simple Arson contemplates crimes with less significant social, economic,
political and national security implications than Destructive Arson.
Special Aggravating Circumstances in Arson

The following are the circumstances that aggravates the crime of Arson
(PD 1613, Section 4):
• If committed with intent to gain;
• If committed for the benefit of another;
• If the offender is motivated by spite or hatred towards the owner or
occupant of the property burned;
• If committed by a syndicate.
Prima Facie Evidence of Arson
Any of the following circumstances constitutes prima facie evidence of
arson (PD 1613, Section 6):
• If the fire started simultaneously in more than one part of the building
or establishment.
• If substantial amount of flammable substances or materials are stored
within the building note necessary in the business of the offender nor
for household us.
• If gasoline, kerosene, petroleum or other flammable or combustible
substances or materials soaked therewith or containers thereof, or any
mechanical, electrical, chemical, or electronic contrivance designed to
start a fire, or ashes or traces of any of the foregoing are found in the
ruins or
premises of the burned building or property.
• If the building or property is insured for substantially more than its
actual value at the time of the issuance of the policy.
• If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire insurance policy more
than two fires have occurred in the same or other premises owned or
under the control of the offender and/or insured.
• If shortly before the fire, a substantial portion of the effects insured and
stored in a building or property had been withdrawn from the premises
except in the ordinary course of business.
• If a demand for money or other valuable consideration was made before
the fire' in exchange for the desistance of the offender or for the safety
of the person or property of the victim.
Presidential Decree No. 1096 of 1977
The Presidential Decree No. 1096 of 1977 or the National Building
Code of the Philippines was signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos on
February 19, 1977. It is a decree that adopts a National Building Code of the
Philippines (NBCP), and revises the Republic Act No. 6541. It calls for a
framework of minimum standards and requirements for all buildings and
structures, that is safe, sanitary and a good working condition. Thus, it has
several provisions on fire safety and protection.
Types of Construction
The following are the classification of all buildings proposed for
construction (PD 1096, Section 401):
Type I. Type I buildings is a wood construction. The structural elements
are any of the materials permitted by the National Building Code.
Type II. Type II buildings is a wood construction with protective fire-
resistant materials and one-hour fire-resistive throughout: Except, that
permanent non-bearing partitions uses fire-retardant treated wood within the
framing assembly.
Type III. Type III buildings is a masonry and wood construction.
Structural elements are any of the materials permitted by the National
Building Code. Provided, that the building is one-hour fire-resistive
throughout. Exterior walls are made of incombustible fire-resistive
construction.
Type IV. Type IV buildings is a steel, iron, concrete, or masonry
construction. Walls, ceiling, and permanent partitions made of incombustible
fire-resistive construction: Except, that permanent non-bearing partitions of
one-hour fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated wood
within the framing assembly.
Type V. Type V buildings is fire-resistive. The structural elements is
made of steel, iron, concrete, or masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and
permanent partitions are made of incombustible fire-resistive construction.
Requirements on Type of Construction

The following standards are prescribed (IRR PD 1096, Section 401):
1. Fire Resistive Requirements

a. Exterior bearing and non-bearing walls of Types II and III
Constructions shall have one hour fire- resistive rating, while those
of Types IV and V shall have four-hour fire-resistive rating.
b. Interior bearing walls, permanent partitions, floors, and roofs of
Types II, III and IV Construction shall have one-hour fire-resistive
rating while those of Type V shall have three-hour fire-resistive
rating for bearing walls and one-hour fire-resistive rating for
vertical openings, floors and roofs.
c. Structural frames of Types II and III Construction shall have one-
hour fire-resistive rating, while those of Type IV shall have two-
hour fire-resistive rating and those of Type V shall have three-hour
fire- resistive rating.
d. Exterior doors and windows shall have one hour fire- resistive
rating for all Types.
2. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes

a. Finishes for interior walls and ceilings of any building shall be
classified according to their flame-spread characteristic using
generally accepted engineering standards. The smoke density shall
not be greater than that obtained from burning of untreated wood
under similar conditions when tested in accordance with the
"Tunnel Test" in the way intended for use. The products of
combustion shall be no more toxic than the burning of untreated
wood under similar conditions. These finishes include: interior
wainscoting, paneling, or other finish applied structurally or for
decoration, acoustical correction, frames and trims of doors and
windows, surface insulation or similar purposes.
b. Requirements for flame-spread characteristics of finishes shall not
apply to frames and trim of doors and windows and to materials
which are less than 1.00 millimeter in thickness cemented to the
surface of walls or ceilings.
c. Materials required to be flame-spread proofed shall be treated with
a flame-retardant having a flame-spread of fifty (50) or less as
determined by the "Tunnel Test".
3. Standards for materials use in structural framework, exterior walls

and openings, floors, exits, stairs & roofs shall be governed by the
pertinent provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
What is Fire Zones?

Fire zones are areas within which only certain types of buildings are
permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of
construction, and resistance to fire. Any building structure moved within or
into any fire zone need to comply with all the requirements for
buildings/structures in that fire zone. This also applied to pre-engineered or
pre-fabricated buildings/structures that may be dismantled and re-
assembled.
Temporary buildings such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous
structures conforming to the requirements of the NBCP, and sheds, canopies
and fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction
with construction work, may be erected in period of time, and such buildings
or structures must be completely the fire zones by special permit from the
Building Official for a limited removed upon the expiration of the time limit
stated in such permit.
Designation of Fire Zones

Designation of Fire Zones is purposely for management, prevention,
control and suppression of conflagration that may occur in population centers.
The legislative body of the LGU may enact ordinances for the of designating
fire zones. The designation of fire zones is as follows:
• Non-Fire Restricted Zones
These are areas where siting of buildings/structures are permitted

without fire-resistivity measures, often located in the country sides or
rural areas where commercial and industrial and other buildings are
sparsely constructed, or may be clustered in small groups like farm lands
wherein dwellings are built of indigenous materials such as bamboo,
sawali, nipa, cogon, palm leaves and wood up to Types I and II
Construction.
• Fire Restrictive Zones

These are areas wherein siting of buildings/structures are
permitted within prescribed fire-resistivity measures for exterior walls
of at least two-hour fire resistivity. Usual locations in suburban areas
are permitted to be built with at least one-hour fire-resistivity
throughout as Types II, III to IV Constructions.
• Highly Fire Restrictive Zones
These are areas wherein highly fire- resistive or noncombustible

buildings/structures and/or construction assemblies of no less than
three to four-hour fire-resistive construction materials are used
throughout, including exterior walls. Only Types IV and V Constructions
are permitted in the areas.
Restrictions on Existing Buildings in the Fire Zones
Existing buildings or structures in fire zones that do not comply with the
requirements for a new building erected therein shall not be enlarged,
altered, remodeled, repaired or moved except as follows:
• Such building is entirely demolished;

• Such building is to be moved outside the limits of the more highly
restrictive Fire Zone to a zone where the building meets the minimum
standards;
• Changes, alterations and repairs may be made provided that in any 12-
month period, the value of the work does not exceed 20% of the value
of the existing building, and provided that, such changes do not add
additional combustible material, and do not, in the opinion of the
Building Official, increase the fire hazard;
• Additions thereto are separated from the existing building by fire walls;
• Damage from fire or earthquake, typhoons or any fortuitous event may
be repaired, using the same kind of materials of which the building or
structure was originally constructed, provided that, the cost of such
repair shall not exceed 20% of the replacement cost of the building or
structure.
Fire-Resistive Rating
Fire-resistive rating means the degree to which a material can
withstand fire as determined by generally recognized and accepted testing
methods. Fire-resistive time period rating is the length of time a material
can withstand being burned which may be one-hour, two-hours, three-hours,
four-hours, etc.
Fire-Resistive Standards
All materials of construction, and type of material and assemblies or
combinations thereof shall conform to the following fire-resistive ratings:
Type of Assembly and Minimum thickness (in

Material millimeter) for the given
fire resistance
4 hrs. 3 hrs. 2 hrs. 1 hr.
Floor Construction
Solid R.C. Slab
− Average cover to 25 25 20 15
reinforcement
− Overall Depth 150 150 125 100
Solid pre-stressed
Concrete slab
− Average cover to tendons 65 50 40 25
− Overall Depth 150 150 125 100
Partitions
− Solid concrete 175 175 150 125
− Solid masonry 200 175 150 125
− Hollow unit masonry 300 250 200 150
4 hrs. 3 hrs. 2 hrs. 1 hr.
Protection for metal
structural members
− concrete 75 50 38 25
− masonry 100 75 55 38
− Metal lath with vermiculite 50 38 20 12
or perlite gypsum plaster
Exterior Wall
Solid concrete
Solid Masonry
Hollow masonry
Column (all faces

exposed)
Reinforced concrete 450 400 300 200
Fire-Resistance Regulations
The Secretary of DPWH prescribes standards and promulgates rules and
regulations on the following:
• Testing of construction materials for flame-spread characteristics,

• Test on fire damages
• Fire tests of building construction and materials,
• door assemblies and tinclad fire doors and window assemblies,
• the installation of fire doors and windows and smoke and fire detectors
for fire protective signaling system,
• application and use of controlled interior finish,
• fire-resistive protection for structural members,
• fire-resistive walls and partitions,
• fire-resistive floor or roof ceiling,
• fire-resistive assemblies for protection of openings and fire-retardant
roof coverings.
Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings or Structures

Dangerous buildings are structurally unsafe or not provided with safe
egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to
human life, or which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to safety
or health or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the
pollution of the site or the community to an intolerable degree. Fire Hazard
is any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in the
probability of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or
interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and
property.
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
When any building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or
ruinous, the Building Official shall order its repair, vacation or algates
demolition depending upon the degree of danger to life, health, or safety (PD
1096, Section 215). The condition or defects that render any building/
structure dangerous or ruinous are as follows:
1. Structural Hazards
a. Whenever any building/structure or portion thereof has been
damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, or by any other cause to
such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is
materially less than it was before the catastrophe and is less than the
minimum requirements of the National Structural Code of the
Philippines (NSCP) for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or
b. Whenever any portion or member or appurtenances thereof is likely
to fall, or to become detached dislodged or to collapse and thereby
injure persons or damage property.
c. Whenever any portion of a building/structure or any member,
appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof is not of
sufficient strength or stability, or is not anchored, attached or
fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of
one-half of that specified in the NSCP for such type of buildings.
d. Whenever any portion thereof has been wrecked, warped, buckled or
settled to such an extent that the walls or other structural portions
have materially less resistance to wind or earthquake than is required
in the case of similar new construction.
e. Whenever the building/structure or any portion thereof, because of:
i. dilapidation, deterioration or decay;
ii. faulty construction;
iii. the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground
necessary for the purpose of supporting such building;
iv. the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation; or
v. any other cause, is likely to partially or totally collapse.
2. Fire Hazards
a. Any building/structure or portion thereof, device, apparatus,
equipment material, or vegetation which may cause fire or explosion,
or provide a ready fuel or augment the speed and intensity of fire or
explosion arising from any cause.
b. All buildings/structures or portions thereof not provided with the
required fire-resistive or fire protective construction or fire-
extinguishing system or equipment.
c. Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or other means of
exit is not of sufficient width or size, or is not so arranged as to
provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire and panic.
d. Whenever any building/structure, because of obsolescence,
dilapidated condition, deterioration, damaged, inadequate exits, lack
of sufficient fire- resistive construction, hazardous electric wiring, gas
connections or heating apparatus, or other cause, in violation of the
Fire Code of the Philippines
3. Unsafe Electrical Wiring

a. All wiring systems or installations which do not conform to the rules
and regulations embodied in the latest Philippine Electrical Code.
b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used electrical wirings,
outlets, devices and/or equipment.
4. Unsafe Mechanical Installation

a. Mechanical systems or installations which do not conform to the rules
and regulations embodied in the Philippine Mechanical Code.
b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used mechanical outlets,
devices and/or equipment.
c. Lack of or improper operation of required ventilating equipment or
air-conditioning systems.
d. Improperly installed or lack of protection and provisions on steam,
gas and fuel supply lines
5. Inadequate Sanitation/Plumbing and Health Facilities

a. All sanitation and plumbing systems or installations which do not
conform to the rules and regulations embodied in the Code on
Sanitation of the Philippines and the Revised National Plumbing Code.
b. Inadequately maintained or improperly used sanitation
and plumbing facilities.
c. Infestation of insects, vermin or rodents and lack of adequate control
for the same.
d. Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal or
disposal facilities.
e. Source of pollution.
6. Architectural Deficiency
a. All buildings/structures or portion thereof used or occupied for
purposes other than their intended uses.
b. Improper/Unauthorized Occupancy/Location.
c. Insufficient amount of natural light and ventilation due to inadequate
open spaces such as courts and yards as required.
d. Inadequate sizes of rooms and space dimensions and window
openings.
CHAPTER 5
REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND

REGULATION OF RA 9514
1. Appreciate the historical background of the 2019 Revised Implementing

Rules and Regulation of RA 9514;
2. Enumerate the primary, and specific functions Chief, Bureau of Fire
Protection;
3. Identify the duties and functions of Technical Staff;
4. Identify the duties and responsibilities of Fire Brigade Chief, and the
members of fire brigade;
5. Enumerate the assistance and support to the BFP by other government
agencies;
6. Identify the minimum requirements for Fire Safety Enforcers;
7. Enumerate the duties and functions of Fire Safety Enforcers;
8. Explain the Building Plan Review;
9. Describe the process of inspection during construction, and after
completion of construction; and
10. Differentiate Fire Safety Compliance Report (FSCR), Fire Safety
Compliance and Commissioning Report (FSCCR), and Fire Safety
Maintenance Report (FSMR).
Historical Background of 2019 Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulation of RA 9514
On December 19, 2008 the enactment of Republic Act No. 9514,
amending Presidential Decree No. 1185, otherwise known as the Fire
Code of the Philippines, was celebrated as much as it was awaited in the
realm of fire service and in fire protection industry. Its goal is to establish a
proactive and effective fire safety enforcement. However there remained
issues that seem to evolve with time
Over a decade of enforcement, these evolving issues, as well as new
challenges, impelled the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to go back to the
drawing board. The reconstituted Fire Code Technical Working Group
(TWG) for the Revision of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
RA 9514, under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Leonides Perez,
who was also the vice chairperson of the Fire Code TWG (2008-2009) that
gave us the 2009 IRR, carried out the undertaking of producing this edition
from 2016 to 2019.
On April 14, 2014, the first intention to amend the IRR surfaced afterall
regional directors were asked to submit their comments and suggestions in
the implementation of the IRR. The comments submitted become the basis
for the first round of committee meetings. The amendment of the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514 of 2008 spurted from
the alleged violations of the Petronas Energy Philippines, Inc on the Fire
Code to which DILG gave a directive to the Chief, BFP to revisit the LPG
Provisions, subsequently revisiting all provisions of the IRR. Hence in January
26 2016, saw the signing of Bureau Order Number COM-2016- 005 re:
Composition of the Fire Code Technical Committee (FCTC) with SSUPT Roel
Jeremy G. Diaz as the Chairman. One of the functions of the FCTC was to
review and amend the IRR as necessary.
After a series of consultation and coordination meetings with all
stakeholders, the final draft of the Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulations was submitted to the Secretary of the Interior and Local
Government for approval on July 9 2019. Then on August 7 2019, the Revised
Implementing Rules and Regulations was approved and signed by the
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
The Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection

The Administration and Enforcement of the RA 9514 and its RIRR shall
be under the direct supervision and control of the Chief, BFP, through the
hierarchy of organization as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No.
6975, the DILG Reorganization Act of 1990 as amended by Republic Act No.
9263, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP) Professionalization Act of 2004 (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019,
Section 4.0.0.1).
Primary Function of Chief, BFP
The Chief, BFP, with the approval of the Secretary, DILG, is authorized
to (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 4.0.0.2):
• Issue Implementing Rules and Regulations, and prescribe standards,

schedules of fees/fire service charges and administrative penalties there
for as provided in the pertinent provisions of the RA 9514 and its RIRR;
• Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;
• Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or
negotiations in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No.
918448, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection,
firefighting, investigation, rescue, paramedics, hazardous material
handling equipment, supplies, materials, and related technical services
necessary for the fire service; and
• Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus,
agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private
institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and coordination and
delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire
prevention, fire suppression and other matters of common concern.
Specific Function of Chief, BFP

In accordance with organizational hierarchy the Chief, BFP or his her
duly authorized representative is specifically authorized to (RIRR of
RA 9514, 2019, Section 4.0.0.3):
• Support and assist fire volunteers, fire safety practitioners undergo

mandatory fire suppression, rescue, emergency and competency
evaluations to be conducted by the BFP: medical services and related
emergency response training
• Enter into external party agreements for the conduct of training,
education and evaluation of fire volunteers, fire safety practitioners and
fire volunteer organizations, which shall be under the full control and
supervision of the BFP,
• Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local
government assistance to render necessary assistance in the
enforcement of the RA 9514 and its RIRR;
• Designate Fire Safety Inspectors (FSI) who shall conduct inspection of
every building or structure within their area of responsibility at least
once a year and every time the owner, administrator or occupant shall
renew his/her Business Permit or Permit to Operate;
• Issue Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a prerequisite to the
grants of permits and/or licenses by the local governments and other
government agencies concerned;
• Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or
premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials as set forth
in the RA 9514, and its RIRR;
• Order the owner/occupant to summarily abate and remove hazardous
materials and/or stop hazardous operations/ processes in accordance
with the standards set by RA 9514. and its RIRR or other pertinent laws;
• Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications,
and other pertinent documents of said building to ensure compliance
with applicable codes and standards; and
• Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop any portion
of any work due to the absence, or in violation of, approved plans and
specifications, permits and/or clearances or certifications as approved
by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative.
Fire Code Technical Staff

The Chief, BFP, shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified who
are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire persons
suppression (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 5.0.1.1). The Technical Staff
may be drawn from the following (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 5.0.1.2):
a. Organic members of the BFP;

b. Other government offices and agencies; and
c. Other sources.
Duties and Functions of Technical Staff

The following are the functions and duties of the Technical Staff (RIRR
of RA 9514, 2019, Section 5.0.1.3):
• Study, review and evaluate latest developments and standards on fire

safety, prevention and suppression;
• Prepare plans/programs on fire safety, prevention and suppression and
evaluate implementation thereof;
• Develop programs on the professionalization of the Fire Service;
• Coordinate with appropriate government and private institutions for the
offering of college courses on fire technology and fire protection
engineering;
• Propose amendments to the RA 9514 and its RIRR;
• Advise the Chief, BFP on any matter brought to his/her attention; and
• Perform such other functions as directed by the Chief, BFP.
Fire Brigade Chief

The organization of company fire brigades shall consist of the Fire
Brigade Chief, which shall be designated by the head of the company, and
shall be assisted by selected personnel. In companies where more persons
are available, they must be organized into teams to function as a fire brigade
established according to its needs. The organization shall be such that a fire
brigade is on duty or on call at all times. The equipment that must be put
into service during fire or other related emergencies will determine the
number of men required for each operating unit or company into which the
brigade is organized, and the total number may be composed of two (2) or
more individuals to operate a specific item of equipment or a larger group to
perform more complicated operations. Each fire brigade shall have a Leader
or a Chief. In his/her absence, an Assistant Chief shall be appointed.
Duties and Responsibilities of Fire Brigade Chief
The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Fire Brigade Chief
(RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 6.0.2.4):
• He/She shall be responsible for the development of fire prevention

programs and plans of action for the company or organization to address
possible fire situation in the plant or community, subject to the approval
of the company or establishment head or fire prevention officer;
• He/She shall initiate the procurement of necessary firefighting
equipment and supplies for use of the brigades;
• He/She shall conduct periodic evaluation of all equipment available for
firefighting and be responsible for setting necessary procedures for
replacing missing equipment or correction of inoperative equipment;
• He/She shall also bring to the immediate attention of the company or
establishment head, or his/her fire prevention officer, any situation that
would likely reduce the effectiveness of firefighting operations;
• He/She shall ensure that the brigades are suitably staffed, conduct
periodic review of the fire brigade roster and prepare recommendations
on the need for additional members to be selected, appointed and made
available to beef up the team;
• He/She shall prepare training programs for the members of the fire
brigade and supervise its implementation; and
• In his/her absence, the Deputy Fire Brigade Chief shall assume and
perform the duties and responsibilities of the Fire Brigade Chief.
Membership in the Fire Brigade

Members of the fire brigade shall consist of persons who have met
qualifications appropriate for the fire brigade work. For establishments,
members must be taken from the roster of its own workforce. To qualify as a
member of a fire brigade, individuals must be available to respond to fire
alarms and attend required training programs. A pre-arranged schedule for
availability must be established to prevent conflict of duties and to cover
absences such as regular off-duty periods, vacations and sickness.
Training, and Certificate of Competency

All members of the fire brigade, fire volunteer and fire volunteer
organizations shall undergo training56 on fire prevention, fire suppression,
rescue, emergency medical services and related emergency response. The
training program includes fire suppression strategies, tactics, techniques and
the use of portable fire extinguishers and other equipment, devices and tools.
The training design is developed by the BFP for fire volunteers, fire volunteer
organizations, fire brigades and fire safety practitioners. Members is required
to complete the specified program of instruction.
Certificate of Competency is issued to fire volunteers, fire volunteer
organizations, and fire safety practitioners, except company fire brigades,
after completion of the mandatory training and competency evaluation
conducted by the BFP and upon submission of the following:
• Certificate of completion of training;

• Personal profile;
• Certificate of employment, in the case of fire safety practitioners; and
• Other documents the BFP may require.
Assistance and Support to the BFP
The BFP receives support from Law Enforcement Agencies, particularly
from the Philippine National Police (PNP). They also receive support from
Local Government Units (LGU), and Private Institutions.
Support from the Philippine National Police

Upon request, the Philippine National Police (PNP) renders necessary
assistance to the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative on the
following actions:
• Actual firefighting operations and fire scene investigation; Business

closure and summary abatement proceedings;
• Installation of signs that the building/structure is a fire hazard and/or
fire trap;
• Obstruction of designated fire lanes and fire hydrants;
• Apprehension of violators/persons removing, destroying, tampering or
obliterating warning signs and similar abatement appurtenances;
• Laboratory/physical examinations of the pieces of evidence gathered in
the fire scene and submit the result thereof to the Chief, BFP or his/her
duly authorized representative, as the case may be; and
• Such other duties and functions of the BFP which would require police
assistance.
Support from other Law Enforcement Agencies

Other Law Enforcement Agencies, such as but not limited to, National
Bureau of Investigation (NBI), upon request, accommodate and necessary
assistance on the following functions of the BFP:
• Investigation and prosecution of arson cases;

• Appearance as expert witness;
• Such other duties and functions of the BFP which require their expertise.
Support from Local Government Units

Local Government Units (LGU) renders necessary assistance c
following duties of the BFP:
• Strict observance of the requirement of fire safety measures for the

issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) as a prerequisite in
the grant of and renewal of business, occupancy and other related
permits/licenses. For this purpose, the LGU and/or other government
agencies concerned shall refrain from issuing such licenses and/or
permits without the applicant first securing an FSIC from the BFP;
• Organization and training of fire brigades in all barangays in partnership
with BFP to serve as first responders;
• Summary abatement and closure of buildings/structures or portions
thereof; and
• Such other duties and functions of the BFP which would require their
assistance.
Coordination with Other Government Agencies

The BFP may enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other
departments, bureaus, agencies, offices and corporations of the government,
as well as private institutions. This is to institutionalize the areas of
cooperation and coordination of the BFP with other stakeholders. The
following are some of the coordination and cooperation of BFP and other
government agencies and stakeholders:
• National and Local Waterworks, for providing sufficient
source of water, especially in times of fire or and for the establishment
of fire hydrants in strategic areas; conflagration
• Electric Companies and Cooperatives, on the immediate cut-off of
electric main lines/ power lines during fires or conflagration and in case
of hazardous electrical installation;
• Department of Transportation (DOTr), on fire safety measures in all
ports and land transportation vehicles;
• Department of Education (DepEd), on the enforcement of fire safety
regulations set forth by the RIRR of RA 9514 for educational and other
applicable facilities, institutionalization of school-based fire prevention
activities and other initiatives; the
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED), on enforcement of fire
safety regulations set forth by the RIRR of RA 9514 for educational and
other applicable facilities, institutionalization of school-based fire
prevention activities and the promotion of fire safety engineering
courses, post graduate studies on fire science and technology and other
research and development initiatives;
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), on instituting continuing
development, enhancement and setting of standards and rating on fire
protection appliance, devices, extinguishing appurtenances and related
fire and life safety facilities, equipage and systems;
• Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), on
providing and enhancing technical skills of BFP personnel and fire
volunteer organizations as well as their subsequent
accreditation/certification;
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), on
providing pertinent information in the field of hazardous materials and
hazardous waste management as well as collaboration on forest fire and
life safety programs;
• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), on the enforcement
of the designation of a fire safety officer in every building facility;
• Department of Information and Communication Technology
(DICT), on the establishment of effective communication system for
the BFP, and the development and integration of an electronic permit
processing system responsive to the regulations of the BFP and recent
advancement in information and communications technology.
Minimum Requirements for Fire Safety Enforcers

BFP personnel duly designated as Fire Safety Enforcers must possess
following minimum required qualification standard.
Fire Safety Inspectors
Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training:
For Uniformed Personnel
• Shall be licensed Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical,

Sanitary and Electronics) with at least one (1) year in the BFP service;
or
• Shall be architect with at least one (1) year in the BFP service; or
• Shall be graduate of any baccalaureate degree course with at least
three (3) years in the BFP service.
For Non-Uniformed Personnel

• Appointed as Engineers with at least one (1) year in the BFP service.
Plan Evaluators
• Must be licensed Architect or Engineer; and

• Shall have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire safety
enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
• In cases where there is no licensed engineer or architect in a specific
jurisdiction, a graduate of any baccalaureate degree with relevant fire
safety and building plan evaluation training shall be designated as plan
evaluator.
Chief of the Fire Safety Enforcement Section/Unit (FSES/U)
• The Chief of the Fire Safety Enforcement Section/Unit (FSES/U)

to be designated shall possess the following minimum qualifications:
− With the rank commensurate to the position prescribed by the
organizational structure and qualification standard of the BFP;
− Must be a licensed engineer or architect with at least three (3)
years in the BFP service; and
− Must have undergone and completed prescribed training on fire
safety enforcement and other relevant fire safety training.
• In cases the rank requirement cannot be complied, any personnel with

lower rank who is a licensed engineer or architect, or a graduate of any
baccalaureate degree with at least five (5) years of service in the BFP
may be designated as Chief, FSES/U.
• In case there is no ranking uniformed personnel or officer, a Non-
Uniformed Personnel (NUP) can be designated as Chief, FSES/U,
provided that he/she is occupying an Engineer IV plantilla position and
has undergone relevant fire safety training.
Functions of Fire Safety Enforcers
Duties and Responsibilities of Fire Safety Inspectors

The following are the main duties and responsibilities of Fire Safety
Inspectors:
• Inspect any building, structure or facility and/or any part thereof,

hazardous operations, storage facilities and transportation vehicles of
hazardous materials to ensure compliance with RA 9514 and its RIRR
and other related laws, regulations, standards and ordinances within the
area of responsibility;
• Assess compliance with the fire safety requirements, identify and
recommend corrective actions for violations/defects and deficiencies
and inform the owner/building administrator/ occupants of such actions
to comply with the provisions of RA 9514 and its RIRR and other related
laws, regulations,
standards and ordinances;
• Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies regarding matters
relating to RA 9514, and its RIRR, and/or the performance of his/her
duties related thereto, when needed;
• Conduct fire safety lectures, seminars/workshop and drills; and
• Prepare necessary documents and maintain files and/or records.
Duties and Responsibilities of Plan Evaluators
The following are the main duties and responsibilities of Plan Evaluators:
• Review and evaluate building plans and specifications including fire

protection system to determine compliance with RA 9514 and its RIRR,
National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and other Life
and Safety Standard; and
• Conduct site verification and inspection on building under construction
to determine compliance with the approved plans and specifications.
Duties and Responsibilities of Chief, Fire Safety Enforcement

Section/Unit (FSES/U)
The following are the main duties and responsibilities of the Chief:
• Review and evaluate reports submitted by the Fire Safety Enforcers and
recommend approval to the concerned C/ MFM having jurisdiction;
• Assist the C/MFM having jurisdiction in implementing fire safety
measures and education programs within his/her area of responsibility
to reduce fire incidents;
• Supervise/monitor the activities of the fire safety inspectors to ensure
that inspection is conducted in accordance with the standards and
existing rules and regulations;
• Recommend to the C/MFM the filing of appropriate charges against the
violator of RA 9514 and its RIRR;
• Testify in any judicial and quasi-judicial bodies on matters relating to RA
9514 and its RIRR and/or in account of his/her duties and functions as
Chief, FSES/U when needed; and
• Perform such other functions mentioned under RA 9514 and its RIRR.
General Enforcement and Administration of Fire Safety Measures
The inspection of all buildings, structures, facilities and premises,
hazardous operations, storage facilities and transportation vehicles of
hazardous materials and the determination of compliance with RA 9514 and
its RIRR shall be done by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal (C/MFM)
having jurisdiction. Fire safety inspection is conducted as a prerequisite to
grants of permits and/or licenses by local governments or other government
agencies. No Certificate of Occupancy, Business Permit or Permit to Operate
shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
(FSIC) from the C/MFM having jurisdiction. The C/MFM having jurisdiction
shall review, evaluate and assess plans, design calculations and
specifications, and issue the necessary building Fire Safety Evaluation
Clearance (FSEC) as a prerequisite for the issuance of Building Permit by
the Office of the Building Official, upon determination that design and
specification is in accordance with RA 9514 and its RIRR.
Building Plan Review

The Plan Evaluator undertakes the necessary evaluation and review of
the plans in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Chief, to the fire
safety and life safety requirements of RA 9514 and its RIRR BFP for this
purpose, indicating whether or not such plans conform For this purpose, a
Fire Safety Checklist shall be used to facilitate the Fire Safety Checklist are
submitted to the Chief, FSES/U for review and recommendation to the
C/MFM having jurisdiction (RIRR of RA 9514, checking of building plan. The
evaluated plans and the corresponding 2019, Section 9.0.2:1).
The C/MFM having jurisdiction upon evaluation of the recommendation
will either issue FSEC or Notice of Disapproval (NOD), as the case may be,
and upon payment by the owner/authorized representative of Fire Code
Construction Tax and other appropriate Fire Code Fees.
Inspection During Construction, and After Completion of

Construction
During construction, renovation, modification or alteration, the C/ MFM
having jurisdiction, on the basis of issued FSEC, will inspect the premises to
determine whether the plans, and specifications are being followed and fire
safety precautions are being observed. He/ She will cause the correction of
any defects/deficiencies noted, when necessary (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019,
Section 9.0.2:2).
After construction, renovation, modification or alteration and prior to the
issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official, the C/MFM
having jurisdiction will designate a Fire Safety Inspector (FSI) who shall
inspect the building, structure or facility. The FSI will recommend in his/her
After Inspection Report (AIR) the issuance of necessary Fire Safety Inspection
Certificate (FSIC) upon determination that the required fire safety
construction is in place, and fire protective and/or warning systems are
properly installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications
(RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.2:3).
The C, FSES/U will review the findings of the FSI and recommend to the
C/MFM having jurisdiction the issuance of FSIC for Occupancy or NOD. The
C/MFM having jurisdiction will either issue the FSIC or NOD, as the case may
be, upon payment of appropriate Fire Code Fees.
However, if it appears during inspection that the subject establishment
is already occupied or operating, a Notice to Comply (NTC) shall be issued to
the owner/administrator/ occupant and the procedure under Rule 13 of the
Fire Code must be observed. The testing and commissioning of fire protective
and warning system of the building must be conducted by the
installer/contractor during inspection to be witnessed by the FSI (RIRR of RA
9514, 2019, Section 9.0.2:3).
Fire Inspection for Business/Mayor's Permit

Here are the guidelines for the inspection for the purpose of
Business/Mayor's Permit and other Permits or Licenses application (RIRR of
RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.2:4.A):
• The C/MFM having jurisdiction will cause the inspection of premises of

any industrial, commercial or business operations, and issue the
necessary FSIC, as a prerequisite for the grant of Business/Mayor's
Permit or Certificate of Annual Inspection from Philippine
Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), upon determination that fire
safety measures for use, handling, or storage of explosives or
combustible, flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials, as well as
hazardous operations or processes, have been complied, and upon
payment of appropriate Fire Code Fees.
• The designated FSI shall conduct final inspection in the establishment;
prepare an After Inspection Report (AIR) using the prescribed format;
and recommend the issuance of either FSIC or appropriate Notice in
accordance with Rule 13. The Chief, FSES/U reviews the findings and
recommends to the C/MFM having jurisdiction for approval or
disapproval. The C/MFM having jurisdiction with either issue FSIC or NTC
in accordance with Rule 13 of the Fire Code.
• No FSIC shall be issued without the submission of Fire Safety and
Maintenance Report (FSMR), if applicable, in accordance with Division 3
of this Rule and payment of appropriate Fire Codes Fees.
Fire Inspection for Non-Business/Mayor's Permit on Existing Buildings,

Structures and Facilities
Here are the guidelines for the inspection routine/annual Fire Safety for
Business/Mayor's Permit and other Permits or Licenses Application.
• The C/MFM having jurisdiction, will cause the conduct of routine or

periodic fire safety inspection, re-inspection, or inspection arising from
complaint, of any building, structure, facility or premises for the purpose
of determining compliance with RA 9514 and its RIRR. For this purpose,
Inspection Order (IO) shall be issued by the C/MFM having
jurisdiction. The building owner or administrator will make available to
the FSI copies of all plans, design calculations and specifications of the
building as it was actually built/ constructed, or in the absence of the
same, copies of all plans, design calculations and specifications of the
building as it is at the time of the inspection and FSMR. The FSI will
prepare an AIR and recommend to the C/MFM having jurisdiction
appropriate administrative courses of action provided under Rule 13 of
this Code in case of any violation of RA 9514 and its RIRR.6
Fire Safety Compliance Report (FSCR)

All private and public buildings, facilities and structures to be
constructed, altered or modified, which by reason of their use, size and height
are required to install any or combination of the following:
• wet standpipe system;
• automatic fire suppression system; and
• automatic fire detection and alarm system,
In compliance to RA 9514 and its RIRR, are required to submit Fire

Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) for application of FSEC for Building Permit,
and Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report
One (1) set of FSCR shall be submitted to the C/MFM having
jurisdiction by the building owner duly signed by the Engineer/Architect-of-
Record and his/her Fire Safety Practitioner duly accredited by the to be
installed in the proposed building together with three (3) sets of plans and
specifications. The FSCR is a prerequisite in granting FSEC. BFP. It shall
contain a detailed design analysis of all fire safety features The
Engineer/Architect-of-Record and Fire Safety Practitioner needs safety
features are appropriate to the proposed project and compliant to ensure and
certify that the design, criteria and specifications of all fire with the provisions
of RA 9514 and its RIRR and other applicable laws.
The FSCR shall contain the following:
• Short Project Description

• Statement of the Codes and Standards used in the design
• Discussion of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
o Building Classification and Construction Materials Used
o Hazards of contents and combustible loading including fire
scenarios adopted if design is performance based
o Occupancy Classification
o Structural Requirements/Separation of Building Spaces
o Exit and Egress Description
▪ Basis of design
▪ Number of exits
▪ Travel distances
▪ Exit calculations (may be included in appendices)
▪ Time-exit analysis
• Fire Suppression Description
• Design Criteria Used for Sprinkler System/Standpipe
o Other suppression systems
o Water supplies, fire pumps, capacities
o Portable extinguishers
o Hydraulic and other calculations (may be placed in appendices)
o Riser diagrams (may be placed in appendices)
• Fire Detection, Alarm, Communication and Evacuation Systems
o Description of each system including features and controls
o Sound pressure calculations (for equivalencies and variances)
• Smoke Control Management (if applicable)
o Description of smoke control strategies
o Design criteria used
o Calculations (may be included in appendices)
o Equipment capacities and description
• Exit Light and Emergency Lighting Systems
o Description
o Typical location of exit lights and emergency lighting systems
o Design criteria
o Calculations (equivalencies and variances)
• Emergency Power Supply
o Description
o Capacities
o Calculations (may be included in appendices)
• Fire Department Access
o Description and location of street hydrant and BFP station
• Other issues not discussed above including elevator recall and use of
elevators for evacuation
Fire Safety Compliance and Commissioning Report (FSCCR)

Prior to the beneficial occupancy of the newly constructed, altered, or
modified buildings, one (1) set of FSCCR together with Certificate of
Completion of Construction duly signed by the Contractor/Construction
Manager and his/her Fire Safety Practitioners shall be submitted to contain a
certification that the plans and specifications prescribed in the C/MFM having
jurisdiction by the building owner. The FSCCR shall the FSCR for Building
Permit was duly implemented. For modifications made, a detailed compilation
of plans, specifications and design analysis of the implemented changes shall
be reflected in the "as-built" plans. The FSCCR is a prerequisite for granting
of FSIC for Occupancy (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.3.3).
The FSCCR shall contain the following (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section
9.0.3.3);
• Short Description of the Project

• Statement and Description of the Changes made in the design, plans
and specifications (if applicable).
• Standards Used for Authorized Changes
• Certification that fire safety features included in FSCR for Building Permit
have been implemented, including approved amendments thereto and
that the completed building complies with RA 9514 and its RIRR.
• Testing and Commissioning Certificates for all systems.
• Close-out documents (shall be signed by Installing Contractor
Professional Engineer or Architect)
o "As-built" Plan
o Calculations
o Specifications
o Test Report
o Product Data Sheet and Material Test Certificate
Fire Safety Maintenance Report (FSMR)

All existing private and public buildings, facilities or structures are
required to submit Fire Safety Maintenance Report (FSMR) annually to
the C/MFM having jurisdiction when securing FSIC for business permit,
Certificate of Annual Inspection for PEZA registered enterprises, DOH License
to Operate and other permits and licenses where FSIC is a prerequisite (RIRR
of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.3.1).
The building owner shall submit to the C/MFM having jurisdiction, one
(1) set of FSMR duly signed by the Building Administrator and his/her Fire
Safety Practitioner during the regular annual fire safety inspection. FSMR
is a prerequisite for the issuance of FSIC for Business or Mayor's Permit
renewal, Certificate of Annual Inspection, Permit to Operate, PHILHEALTH
Accreditation for Hospitals, DOH License to Operate and other permits or
licenses being issued by other government agencies. The FSMR shall contain
among others (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.3.4):
• The detailed report on conducted annual maintenance of all installed fire
safety and protection systems duly certified by the building fire safety
practitioner/safety officer or a third-party consultant specializing in said
installation.
• Fire safety lectures, drills and preparedness activities conducted within
the year.
The building owner or his/her authorized representative, registered

business owner (tenant) or his/her authorized representative, or their
building administrator and his/her fire safety practitioner shall certify that all
fire safety issues are addressed and that all required fire safety systems are
installed and maintained as prescribed in RA 9514 and its KIRR and other
applicable laws. They shall also keep an updated record of regular inspection,
scheduled testing and/or regular preventive maintenance to ensure proper
operational condition (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.3.4).
The FSMR shall contain the following (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section
9.0.3.4):
• Short Description of Building or Facilities

• Statement of Testing and Maintenance Standards Used
• Discussions of Fire Protection and Life Safety Issues
o Exit and Egress
▪ Number of active exits
▪ Maintenance records done on egress component such as
doors and enclosed stairways
o Fire Suppression
▪ Maintenance and testing records done on fire pumps,
sprinkler system, portable extinguishers, standpipes and
other fire suppression systems
▪ Results of annual fire pump flow tests, annual main drain
tests, and water flow tests for standpipe; submit other test
results as appropriate
o Fire Detection, Alarm Communication and Evaluation System
▪ Testing and maintenance records done on the components of
the detection and alarm system including the fire alarm
control panel.
o Smoke Control Management (if applicable)
▪ Maintenance and testing records of the various component of
the smoke management system. Include test records for
pressurization fans for flows and fan controls.
o Emergency Power Supply
▪ Maintenance and testing records of the system components
of the emergency power supply.
o Other testing and maintenance records, including test results of the
elevator recall system.
▪ Other applicable systems
Only Fire Safety Practitioners issued with Certificate of Competency

(COC) shall be allowed to prepare, sign and certify the FSCR, FSCCR and
FSMR (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.3.5).
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
A Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) is issued by the C/ MFM
having jurisdiction as a prerequisite for the issuance of Certificate of
Occupancy, Business Permits or Permit to Operate, licenses and other permits
issued by the following (RIRR of RA 9514, 2019, Section 9.0.4.1):
• Local Government Units (LGUs);

• Office of The Building Official (OBO);
• PhilHealth Accreditation for Hospitals;
• Department of Health (DOH);
• Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and other similar entities;
and
• Other government agencies
Fire Safety Clearance

Fire Safety Clearance (FSC) for stand-alone applications is required
for the storage, handling and transportation of hazardous materials, and
hazardous operations and processes. Likewise, installation clearance shall be
required for the installation of fire safety and warning systems and building
services equipment. All issued FSC, except installation clearance, to business
establishments shall be renewed before the issuance of FSIC for Business
Permit.
CHAPTER 6
RIRR OF RA 9514: FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
1. Define Fire Safety Measures;

2. Identify the general requirements on Fire Safety in Building, Structures,
and Facilities;
3. Enumerate the general requirements for Construction and Repair
Operations;
4. Enumerate the classification of Occupancy;
5. Explain the Hazard of Buildings;
6. Identify the classification of Hazard of Contents;
7. Define Means of Egress;
8. Identify the general provision on Means of Egress;
9. Define Hazardous Materials;
10. Enumerate the Hazardous Materials Classifications;
11. Identify the High Hazard Contents Classifications;
12. Enumerate the general requirements of Fire Safety for Hazardous
Materials; and
13. Define Hazardous Operation/Process.
Fire Safety Measures
A fire safety measure means any measure (including any item of
equipment, form of construction or fire safety strategy) that could be
implemented in a building to ensure the safety of persons using n.d.). The
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514 the building in the
event of fire (Fire Protection Association Australia, and miscellaneous
hazardous premises and/or conditions that by its hazardous materials and
wastes, hazardous operations and processes, covers the fire safety measures
for buildings, structures and facilities, very nature or relation to life, property
and environment pose threat or danger.
Fire Safety in Building, Structures, and Facilities

The RIRR of RA 9514 deals with life safety from fire and like emergencies
in buildings, structures and facilities. It covers construction, protection and
occupancy features to minimize danger to life from fire. smoke, vapor and
fumes before buildings are vacated. It also discusses procedures and
guidelines in fire drills required for all types of occupancies to prevent panic
in times of emergencies. It specifies the number, size, and arrangement of
means of egress sufficient to permit prompt and safe escape of occupants
from buildings, or structures or facilities in case of fire or other conditions
dangerous to life and property (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.2.2.A).
General Requirements
The following are the general requirements for Fire Safety in Building,
Structures, and Facilities (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.2.2).
1. Every building or structure, new or old, designed for human occupancy
shall be provided with exits sufficient to permit the fast and safe escape
of occupants in case of fire or other emergencies.
2. Every building or structure shall be designed, constructed, equipped,
maintained and operated to avoid danger to lives and ensure safety of
its occupants from fire, smoke, vapor and fumes, during the period of
escape from the building or structure.
3. Every building or structure shall be provided with exits of kind, number,
location and capacity appropriate to the individual building or structure,
with due regard for the character of the occupancy, the number of
persons exposed, the fire protection available and the height and of
construction of the building or structure, to afford all occupants
convenient facilities for escape.
4. Every exit of buildings or structures shall be arranged and maintained
to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts thereof at all
times.
5. Every exit shall be clearly visible. The route to the exit shall be
conspicuously marked in such a manner that every occupant of a
building or structure will readily know the direction of escape.
6. All means of egress shall be provided with adequate and reliable
illumination.
7. Fire alarm systems or devices shall be provided in every building or
structure of such size, arrangement, or occupancy, to provide adequate
warning to occupants.
8. Every building or structure, section, or area thereof of such size,
occupancy and arrangement such that the reasonable safety of a
number of occupants may be endangered by the blocking of any single
means of egress due to fire or smoke, shall have at least two means of
egress remote from each other, so arranged as to minimize any
possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency
conditions.
9. Every vertical way of exit and other vertical openings between afford
reasonable safety of occupants while using exits and floors of a building
shall be suitably enclosed or protected to prevent spread of fire, smoke,
or fumes through vertical openings from floor to floor before occupants
have entered exits.
10. Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic kitchen hood fire
suppression in accordance with internationally
recognized standards.
Required Fire Safety Programs/Measures

In addition to the requirements, lessees or occupants of buildings,
structures or facilities shall observe all pertinent fire safety measures (RIRR
of RA 9514, Section 10.2.2.J).
• All occupants or lessees of buildings, structures or facilities shall

organize themselves, and develop and implement fire safety programs
to include among others, fire prevention in the premises, notification of
the BFP on the existence of fire, evacuation of persons and initial
firefighting. 68
• In buildings, leased to and used by one (1) or several companies or
persons, the management of each company or each person shall be
responsible for fire safety measures within the leased or occupied
areas,69
• In building structures or facilities, such as condominium and the like,
where some units of the building are not yet sold, the provisions of
second bullet above shall apply. When all condominium units have been
sold, responsibility for fire safety measures in the common areas such
as the means of egress, utilities, building equipment/system and the
building as a whole, shall devolve jointly upon all individual unit owners,
occupants and building administrators.
General Requirements for Construction and Repair Operations

The following is the general requirement for construction and repair
operations
New Construction
• No building or structure under construction shall be occupied in whole

or in part until all required means of egress required for the part to
be occupied are completed, inspected and approved for occupancy.
• Adequate escape facilities shall be maintained at all times in buildings
under construction for the use of construction workers. These facilities
shall consist of doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes, or other
arrangements in accordance with the general guidelines of RA 9514
and its RIRR in so far as they can be reasonably applied to buildings
under construction.
Repairs or Alterations
• Existing buildings may be occupied during repairs or alterations

provided that all existing fire protection systems/devices are
continuously maintained or, in lieu thereof, other measures are taken
to provide equivalent safety.
• Flammable or explosive substances or equipment necessary for the
repair or alteration of a building or structure may be introduced
therein while it is occupied, only if the conditions of use and the
safeguards provided will not create any additional danger or impair
the use of the means of egress.
Classification of Occupancy
A building or structure, or portion of buildings or structure, are classified
as follows (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.2.3.A):
1. Assembly- Assembly occupancies include, but are not limited to, all
buildings or portions of buildings 1) used for gathering fifty (50) or more
persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment,
eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses;
and 2) used as special amusement buildings. This includes worship;
classrooms of fifty (50) persons and over capacity; dance halls;
clubrooms; skating rinks; gymnasiums; cockpit libraries; Internet shops
of over fifty (50) persons capacity; arenas; bowling facilities; pool
rooms; passenger stations and terminals of air, surface, underground,
and marine public transportation facilities; recreational facilities; piers;
courtrooms; conference rooms; mortuary chapels or funeral
homes; and special amusement buildings.
2. Educational - Educational occupancies include all buildings or portions
thereof used for gathering of six (6) or more persons for purposes of
instruction. It includes schools, universities, colleges, academies, and
kindergartens.
3. Day Care - Day care occupancies include buildings, or portions thereof,
in which four (4) or more clients receive care, maintenance, and
supervision, by other than their relatives or legal guardians, for less than
twenty-four (24) hours per day. It include adult day care centers, except
where part of health care occupancies; child day care centers; day care
homes; kindergarten classes that are incidental to a child day care
occupancy; and nursery schools.
4. Health Care- Health care facilities are those used for purposes of
medical or other treatment or care of persons, where such occupants
are mostly incapable of self-preservation because of age, physical or
mental disability, or because of security measures not under the
occupants' control. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, and birth
centers.
5. Residential Board and Care- Residential board and care buildings are
those used for lodging and boarding of four (4) or more residents, not
related by blood or marriage to the owners or operators, for the purpose
of providing personal care services.
• Residential Board and Care include:
o Group housing arrangement for physically or mentally
handicapped persons who normally attend school in the
community, attend worship in the community, or otherwise use
community facilities.
o Group housing arrangement for physically or mentally
handicapped persons who are undergoing training independent
living, for paid employment, or for in preparation other normal
community activities.
o Group housing arrangement for the elderly that provides
personal care services but that does not provide nursing care.
Facilities for social rehabilitation, alcoholism, drug abuse, or
mental health problems that contain a group housing
arrangement and that provide personal care services but do not
provide
acute care.
o Assisted living facilities.
o Other group housing arrangements that provide personal care
services but not nursing care.
6. Detention and Correctional- Detention and correctional buildings are
those used to house one (1) or more persons under varied degrees of
restraint or security where such occupants are mostly incapable of self-
preservation because of security measures not under the occupants'
control.
• It includes those used for purposes such as adult correctional
institutions, adult or youth detention facilities, adult community
residential centers, adult work camps, youth rehabilitation center, and
adult and juvenile substance abuse centers, and other similar facilities
where occupants are confined or housed under some degree of
restraint or security.
7. Residential- Residential occupancies are those occupancies in which
sleeping accommodations are provided for normal residential purposes
and include all buildings designed to provide sleeping accommodation.
• Residential buildings, structures or facilities are treated separately in
this Rule in the following groups: hotels, motels, apartelles, pension
houses, inns, apartments, condominiums, dormitories, lodging or
rooming houses, and single and two-family dwellings, and the likes.
8. Mercantile- this refers to stores, markets, and other rooms, buildings,
or structures for the display and/or sale of merchandise. Mercantile
occupancies include malls, supermarkets, department stores, shopping
centers, flea markets, restaurants of less than fifty (50) persons
capacity, public/private dry and wet markets, water refilling stations,
drugstores, hardwares/construction supplies, showrooms, and auction
rooms.
• Minor merchandising operation in building predominantly of other
occupancies, such as newsstand in an office building, shall be subject
to the exit requirements of the predominant occupancy. Office,
storage, and service facilities incidental to the sale of merchandise
and located in the same building should be considered part of the
mercantile occupancy classification.
9. Business-Business buildings are those used for the transaction of
business other than that covered under Mercantile, for the keeping of
accounts and records, and similar purposes. This includes offices for
lawyers, doctors, dentists and other professionals, general offices,
city/municipal halls, business process outsourcing (BPO), call centers,
Internet shops, massage parlors, beauty parlors, barbershops of less
than fifty (50) occupants, and court houses.
10. Industrial- This includes factories that make products of all kinds and
properties which shall include but not be limited to product processing,
assembling and disassembling, mixing, packaging, finishing or
decorating, repairing, and material recovery, including factories of all
kinds, laboratories, dry cleaning plants, power plants, pumping stations,
smokehouses, gas plants, refineries, sawmills, laundries, and
creameries.
11. Storage- This includes all buildings or structures utilized primarily for
the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or
animals. Included in this occupancy group are warehouses, cold
storages, freight terminals, truck and marine terminals, bulk oil storage,
LPG storage, parking garages, hangars, grain elevators, barns, and
stables.
• Minor storage incidental to other occupancy shall be treated as part
of the other occupancy.
12. Mixed Occupancies- Refers to two (2) or more classes of occupancies
occurring/located/situated/existing in the same building and/or
structures so intermingled that separate safeguards are impracticable.
• The means of egress shall be sufficient to meet exit requirements for
the occupants of each individual room or section, and for the
maximum occupant load of the entire building. Fire safety
construction, protective and warning systems, and other safeguards
shall meet the most stringent requirements of the occupancy
involved.
13. Special Structures- This class of occupancy includes buildings or
structures which cannot be properly classified in any of the preceding
occupancy groups.
Hazard of Buildings
Fire Hazard is any condition or act which increases or may cause an
increase in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct,
delay, hinder or interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of
life and property (RA 9514, Section 3). The degree of hazard shall be the
relative danger of the start and spread of fire, the generation of smoke or
gases, and the danger of explosion or other Occurrences potentially
endangering the lives and safety of the occupants of the building or structure
due to the nature of the contents or processes/ operations (RIRR of RA 9514,
Section 10.2.4.1).
The degree of fire hazard shall be determined by the C/MFM having
jurisdiction on the basis of the nature, character of the contents, and
operations being conducted in the building or structure: Provided, however,
that where the flame spread rating of the interior finish or other features of
the building or structure are such as to involve a fire hazard greater than the
hazard of contents, the greater degree of fire hazard shall govern" (RIRR of
RA 9514, Section 10.2.4.1).
Classification of Hazard of Contents
The hazard of contents of any building or structure are classified as
follows (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.2.4.2):
Low Hazard
• Those of such low combustibility that no self- propagating fire therein

can occur and that, consequently, the only probable danger requiring
the use of emergency exits will be from panic, fumes or smoke or fire
from some external source.
Moderate Hazard
• Those which are liable to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a
considerable volume of smoke but from which neither poisonous
fumes nor explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.
High Hazard
• Those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from which
poisonous gases or explosions are to be expected in the event of fire.
Means of Egress
Means of Egress is a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from
any point in a building or structure to a public way. Means of egress design
must consider the distance occupants travel to an exit, how far apart exits
are located from one another, and the arrangement of the paths of travel
within the means of egress (Bigda, 2021).
General Provision on Means of Egress
The following are some of the general provision on means of egress
(RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.2.5.2):
• Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part of the building

or shall be permanently affixed to it.
• The following are the requirements for the construction of the separation
when an exit is required to be protected by separation from other parts
of the building:
− The separation shall have at least one (1) hour fire resistance
rating when the exit connects three (3) storeys or less, regardless
of whether the storeys connected are above or below the storey at
which the exit discharge begins.
− The separation shall have at least two (2) hours fire resistance
rating when the exit connects four (4) or more storeys, whether
above or below the floor of discharge. It shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials and shall be supported by construction
having at least a two-hour (2-hr) fire resistance rating.
− Any opening in the separation wall/construction shall be protected
by an approved self-closing fire resistive door.
− Openings in exit enclosure shall be confined to those necessary for
access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for
egress from the enclosure.
• The width of means of egress shall be measured by clear width starting
from the narrowest point of the egress component under consideration.
• The width of any means of egress shall not be less than nine hundred
fifteen millimeters (915 mm).
• The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, storey,
or portion thereof shall not be less than two (2)
• Exits shall be located and exit access shall be so that arranged exits are
readily accessible at all times.
• Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be considered only as a single exit for
new buildings.
• Means of egress shall be so arranged that there are no dead- end
pockets, hallways, corridors, passage ways or courts, whose depth
exceeds six meters (6 m).
• A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access shall be of the
side-hinged, swinging type. It shall swing with exit travel.
• Ways of exit access and the doors to exits to which they lead shall be
designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable as such. Decorations
or draperies shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed
in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction
of exit.
• All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exterior exit
discharge. Yards, courts, open space, or other portions of the exit
discharge shall be of required width and size to provide all occupants
with a safe access to a public way.
• The minimum headroom shall not be less than two meters (2 m) nor
any projection from the ceiling be less than two meters (2 m) from the
floor.
Fire Safety for Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials are chemicals and materials which are (RIRR of
RA 9514, Section 10.3.1.1):
• Highly flammable that may react to cause fires or explosions;

• By their presence may create a fire or explosion hazard;
• By their toxicity, flammability, or reactivity render firefighting
dangerous;
• Flammable or combustible that are chemically unstable and may
spontaneously form explosive compounds; and
• Flammable or combustible that may undergo spontaneous reactions of
explosive violence or with sufficient evolution of heat to be a fire hazard.
A Fire Safety Clearance (FSC) for the installation and conveyance of

all hazardous materials is issued by the BFP as prerequisite for the issuance
of appropriate permits and licenses from the local and other government
agencies concerned (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.3.2.1).
Hazardous Materials Classification

Materials are classified into one (1) or more of the following categories
of hazardous materials (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.3.3.1):
A. Corrosive solids, liquids, or gases;

B. Flammable solids, liquids and aerosols;
C. Flammable, inert and oxidizing cryogenic fluids;
D. Flammable and inert gases;
E. Organic peroxide formulations;
F. Oxidizer solids and liquids;
G. Oxidizing gases;
H. Pyrophoric solids, liquids, or gases;
I. Toxic or highly toxic solids, liquids, or gases;
J. Unstable (reactive) solids, liquids, or gases;
K. Water-reactive solids or liquids;
L. Radioactive materials; and
M. Explosives.
High Hazard Contents Classification

The following are the classifications of high hazard contents (RIRR
of RA 9514, Section 10.3.3.2):
High-Hazard Level 1 Contents.
• Materials that present a detonation hazard, including, but not

limited to, the following hazard categories:
− Class 4 oxidizers;
− Detonable pyrophoric solids or liquids;
− Class 3 detonable and Class 4 unstable (reactive) solids,
liquids, or gases; and
− Detonable organic peroxides.

• Materials that present a deflagration hazard or a hazard from
accelerated burning, including, but not limited to, the following
hazard categories:
− Combustible dusts stored, used, or generated in a manner
creating a severe fire or explosion hazard;
− Class I organic peroxides;
− Class 3 solid or liquid oxidizers that are used or stored in
normally open containers or systems or in closed containers
or systems at gauge pressures of more than one hundred
three and four tenths kilopascals (103.4 kPa);
− Flammable gases;
− Flammable cryogenic fluids;
− Non detonable pyrophoric solids, liquids, or gases;
Class 3 Non detonable unstable (reactive) solids, liquids, or
gases; and
− Class 3 water-reactive solids and liquids.
• Materials that readily support combustion or present a physical hazard,

including, but not limited to, the following hazard categories:
− Flammable solids, other than dusts classified as High-Hazard Level
2, stored, used, or generated in a manner creating a high fire
hazard;
− Class II and Class III organic peroxides;
− Class 2 solid or liquid oxidizers;
− Class 3 solid or liquid oxidizers that are used or stored in normally
closed containers or systems at gauge pressures of less than one
hundred three and four tenths kilopascals (103.4 kPa);
− Class 2 unstable (reactive) materials;
− Class 2 water-reactive solids, liquids or gases;
− Oxidizing gases; and
− Oxidizing cryogenic fluids.
• Materials that are acute health hazards, including, but not limited to,
the following hazard categories:
− Corrosive solids, liquids, or gases;
− Highly toxic solids, liquids, or gases; and
− Toxic solids, liquids, or gases.
Protection Levels
The occupancy needs to comply with the requirements for Protection
Level 1, Protection Level 2, Protection Level 3, or Protection Level 4, as
required for the material in storage or use as defined in accordance with
Chapter 6 through 21 of NFPA 400 (Hazardous Materials Code) and the
latest edition of National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP),
provided that the quantity of hazardous materials in storage or use exceeds
the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) for indoor control areas as set
forth in Section 10.3.4.2 of RIRR of RA 9514 (RIRR of RA 9514,
Section 10.3.4.4). The following are the protection levels:
• Protection Level 1- Buildings containing quantities hazardous

materials exceeding the MAQ of High-Hazard Level 1 contents permitted
in control areas shall comply with applicable regulations for Protection
Level 1. It includes materials that present a detonation hazard.
• Protection Level 2- Buildings, and portions thereof, containing
quantities of hazardous materials exceeding the MAQ of High-Hazard
Level 2 contents permitted in control areas shall comply with applicable
regulations for Protection Level 2. It includes materials that present a
deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning.
regulations for Protection Level 3. It includes materials that readily
support combustion or present a physical hazard.
regulations for Protection Level 4. It includes materials that are acute
health hazards.
• Protection Level 5- It applies to semiconductor fabrication facilities
where required by the latest edition of NBCP.
General Requirements
The following are the general requirements of Fire Safety for Hazardous
Materials (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.3.5):
• The manufacture, storage, handling and use of hazardous materials and

chemicals shall be safeguarded with protective facilities or devices as
public safety may require.
• The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall require the separation or isolation
from other storage occupancies or buildings of any material or chemical
that, in combination with other substances, may bring about a fire or
explosion or may liberate a flammable or poisonous gas.
• Globally Harmonized System Safety Data Sheet (GHS SDS), a
document that describes composition of a material, hazardous
properties and hazard mitigation, and disposal information, shall be
made available at all times during fire safety inspection.
• Storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemicals shall be in
accordance with applicable Philippine National Standards (PNS) or
internationally recognized standards.
• Where stored for retail, storage shall be neat and orderly.
• Cabinets for the storage of hazardous materials shall be approved and
substantially constructed of one and twenty- five hundredths'
millimeters (1.25 mm) thick sheet iron or a minimum of two hundred
fifty-four millimeters (254 mm) plywood or equivalent, painted with
luminescent- type paint and shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters:
"HAZARDOUS - KEEP FIRE AWAY" and with self-closing and self-
latching doors.
• Defective containers shall be disposed of or repaired in accordance with
recognized safety practices. No spilled materials shall be allowed to
accumulate on floors or shelves.
• All hazardous chemicals shall either bear especially designed and color-
coded labels consisting of four (4) diamonds arranged into one (1) large
diamond indicating 1) its toxicity and health hazards; 2) its
flammability; 3) its reactivity; and 4) firefighting and first aid
instructions or appropriate color- coded labels based on the Globally
Harmonized System (GHS) Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals.
• For hazardous materials to be transported, vehicles shall be properly
marked with the corresponding GHS labels and markings, pursuant to
the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Models
Regulation.
• No person shall operate any tank vehicle transporting any corrosive
cryogenic, hypergolic, or pyrophoric materials, not unless at all time of
such transportation there is displayed upon each side and the rear of
the tank vehicle a sign in letter in not less than seven hundred sixty-two
millimeters (762 mm) in height upon a background of sharply
contrasting color, which shall specifically designate the cargo.
• The storage areas for plastic-based, fire-supporting, fire- conductive,
smoke generating, or toxic gas producing materials that are used as
insulators or cushioning material for crates, boxes, walls, air
conditioning ducts, beds, chairs, and the like shall be provided with
automatic fire extinguishing systems of an approved type.
• All hazardous materials shall be protected by automatic fire suppression
system and other fire protection system appropriate to the type of
hazard.
• All buildings and facilities shall have plan for the following during an
emergency:
− Internal security and safety operations;
− Management of hazardous materials and waste;
− Radioactive, biological, and chemical isolation and
decontamination;
− Control of entrance into the building/facility during emergencies;
− Conduct of risk assessment with applicable authorities if it becomes
necessary to control egress from the building/facility;
− Control of people movement within the building/facility; and
− Control of traffic access to the building/facility.
Fire Safety for Hazardous Operations

Hazardous Operation/Process is any act of manufacturing.
fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely
to cause fires or explosions (RA 9514, Section 3). This includes the following:
• Automobile Wrecking Yards;

• Bowling Alleys Resurfacing and Refinishing;
• Dust Producing Machines;
• Explosives, Ammunitions and Blasting Agents;
• Fire Works and Pyrotechnics;
• Spraying, Dipping, Coating Using Flammable or Combustible Materials
and Liquids;
• Ripening Processes;
• Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging;
• Repair Garages;
• Lumber Yards, Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities;
• Mechanical Refrigeration;
• Motion Picture Projection;
• Oil Burning Equipment;
• Manufacture of Organic Coatings;
• Industrial Ovens and Furnaces; and
• Hot works Operations
Automobile Wrecking Yard
Automobile wrecking yard shall be operated and maintained with the
following requirements (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.2.2):
• No automotive wrecking yard shall be so located as to seriously

expose adjacent properties to fire. Serious exposure shall include
situations where materials are stored or operations performed within
four and a half meters (4.5 m) of an adjacent private property line.
• The entire premises devoted to such yard or plant shall be enclosed
with a chain-linked fence not less than two and a half meters (2.5 m)
in height, with two (2) gates of four and a half meters (4.5 m) width
for fire department access.
• No roof of any building located in a salvage yard shall be used for
storage. This applies to all buildings on a property where salvage work
is performed or waste materials are handled, including those used for
storage, vehicle shelters, administration and sales.
• No motor vehicles, or any part thereof, junk, or other waste materials,
shall be stored, displayed or kept in such a manner as to
unnecessarily hinder or endanger firefighting operations.
• Vertical openings in such building shall be enclosed with approved
automatic self-closing fire doors in accordance with Section 10.2.5.3
of this RIRR.
• Picking shall be done in rooms separated from storage rooms or other
occupancies by fire resistive walls and doors having a fire resistance
of not less than one (1) hour. Picking rooms shall be provided with
exhaust systems to adequately and safely remove dust and dirt.
Bowling Alleys Resurfacing and Refinishing
The requirements for operating and maintenance for bowling alleys
resurfacing and refinishing are as follows:
• The operator/owner of a bowling establishment shall secure an FSC

from the C/MFM having jurisdiction, before performing any refinishing
and alley resurfacing operations involving the use of flammable
liquids or materials on the premises (RIRR of RA 9514, Section
10.4.3.2).
• Pin finishes involving the application of flammable or combustible
finishes, sanding or buffing operations, if done within a building, shall
be done only in a room having a fire resistance rating of two (2)
hours, provided with vacuum cleaner or a fixed-pipe suction system
with remotely located exhauster and dust collector installed (RIRR of
RA 9514, Section 10.4.3.3).
• During sanding and resurfacing operations, no portion of the premises
shall be open to the public. Personnel who will do the sanding and
resurfacing must be competent (with TESDA certification or its
equivalent) to do the job (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.3.4).
• When flammable solvents/chemicals are being used, an independent
means of ventilation shall be provided to disperse flammable vapors
to the open air (RIRR of RA 9514. Section 10.4.3.4).
• Portable fire extinguishers must be provided for immediate use during
work (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.3.4).
• All electric motors or other equipment in the area, which is a potential
source of ignition, shall be shut down. All smoking and use of open
flames shall be prohibited during the application of flammable finishes
and for one (1) hour thereafter (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.3.4).
• Pin servicing work will not be allowed during sanding operation or for
a period of twenty-four (24) hours after sanding/re-varnishing work
is finished (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.3.4).
• Sanding and buffing machines shall be equipped with approved
continuous suction for collecting dust during sanding and refinishing
operations. Contents shall be removed daily and disposed of safely
(RIRR of RA 9514.
Section 10.4.3.5).
Dust Producing Machines

No person shall construct/operate any dust producing machines such as
rice mill, saw mill, feed mill, flour/starch/oat mill, hammer mill, grinders,
crushers (stones, lime stones), plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa,
magnesium, spices, any grain/s elevator for manufacturing, handling,
processing or other material producing dust without FSC issued by the C/MFM
having jurisdiction (RIRR of RA 9514, Section 10.4.4.1).
Construction
• Building construction, renovation, modification, reconstruction,

alteration, repair, addition, change for use or change of occupancy
classification, demolition, and relocation of building and structures
relative thereto shall comply with the latest edition of NBCP.
• Suitable dust collecting equipment shall be installed and accumulation
of dust shall be kept at a minimum in the interior of the buildings.
• Spaces inaccessible to housekeeping shall be sealed to prevent dust
accumulation, and opening of firewalls or in fire barriers shall be
protected by self-closing fire doors that have a fire resistance rating
equivalent to one (1) hour, including interior stairs, elevators, and man
lifts in accordance with the NFPA 221, Standard for High Challenge Fire
Walls, Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls.
• Electrical wiring, power equipment, and lightning protection system
installed, shall conform to the requirements of latest edition of PEC.
• In designing explosion prevention, relief and venting shall be directive
to a safe outside location away from platforms, means of egress, or
other potentially occupied areas.
• Where the horizontal travel distance to the means of egress is less than
fifteen meters (15 m) in normally unoccupied spaces, a single means of
egress shall be permitted.
Operation
• Properly designed and located vents equipped with explosion proof

exhaust fans shall be required in all buildings where flammable or
explosive dusts are manufactured, processed or generated. The design
of such equipment shall be in accordance with internationally accepted
standards or NFPA 68, Explosion Venting.
• During operation of the machines, if the dust explosion hazard exists in
rooms or other enclosures under normal operating conditions, such
areas shall be provided with explosion relief venting distributed over the
exterior wall.
• Recirculating or recycling exhaust air ventilation systems for dust
explosion hazard areas, if used, shall be equipped with filter systems
capable or removing dust from air.
• Operating controls shall be designed, constructed, and installed, so that
the required conditions of safety for personnel during operation are
maintained.
CHAPTER 7
FIRE/ARSON INVESTIGATION, ARSON

EVIDENCE AND FILING OF CHARGES IN COURT
1. Define Arson Investigation;

2. Identify and Explain the Levels of Offense for Arson;
3. Identify the composition of a Fire Arson Investigation Team and their
tasks;
4. Enumerate the general procedures in determining the Fire Origin;
5. Identify the steps in the Collection and Preservation of Fire/ Arson
Evidence;
6. Explain the Standard Guide in Computing Fire Damages Initial
Assessment of Fire Damages;
7. Identify the levels of Authority to Conduct Fire Investigation;
8. Enumerate the Special Provisions on Fire/Arson Investigation;
9. Identify the General Procedures in Determining Responsibility and
Liability; and
10. Enumerate the conditions in reopening/reinvestigating of an
arson case.
Fire/Arson Investigation
Arson investigation is an investigation conducted to determine if
committed a fire was the result of an accident or started on purpose. The
purpose of conducting such an investigation is to determine if a crime has
been committed (Arson Investigation: Roles & Techniques, 2018). Fire and
arson investigators examine the physical attributes of a fire scene and identify
and collect physical evidence from the scene. This evidence is then analyzed
to help determine if the cause of fire was accidental or deliberate. During the
scene examination, investigators may find evidence such as accelerants,
tampered utilities, and specific burn patterns, which may indicate criminal
activity (National Institute of Justice, n.d.).
The Bureau of Fire Protection have the power to investigate all or
provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case (RA 6975. Section
54). The tasks and responsibility of the fire arson investigators are not only
limited to conducting exhaustive investigations and filing of complaints with
the prosecutors office, but also includes the appearance and giving of
testimonies before the court of law during legal proceedings (PNP, 2011).
The BFP upon request can ask assistance with the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) for the investigation and prosecution of arson cases
(RIRR of RA 9614, Section 7.0.1.2). The BFP can also request the help of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) in the actual firefighting operations and
fire scene investigation, as well as in the laboratory/ physical examinations
of the pieces of evidence gathered in the fire scene (RIRR of RA 9614, Section
7.0.1.1).
Elements of Arson
The following are the elements of Arson (PNP, 2011):
1. Actual burning took place
2. Actual burning is done with malicious intent
3. The actual burning is done by person(s) legally and criminally liable
Levels of Offense for Arson

The following are the levels of offense for Arson (PNP, 2011):
1. Attempted Arson
Person A gets a rag and soaks it in kerosene with intent to burn

the house of person B, his enemy. Person A puts the rag in a combustible
portion of person B’s house and when in the act of striking his match in
order to burn the rag soaked with kerosene, person A is arrested by a
policeman who happens to pass by.
Person A begins the commission of the felony directly by overt acts
but does not fulfill all the acts of execution necessary to produce the
felony by reason of the timely arrival of the policeman.
2. Frustrated Arson
Person A, with intent to burn, puts the rag soaked with kerosene
in the combustible part of person B s house. Person A lights the rag and
while it is burning, person A runs away. Before the fire from the rag
consumes any part of the house, person B discovers it and extinguishes
the fire.
Person A had already performed all the acts of execution necessary
to produce the felony but the felony was not produced by the reason of
the timely arrival of person B, which is independent of the will of person
A.
3. Consummate Arson
Person A, with intent to burn, lights a rag soaked with kerosene in

the combustible part of person B s house. But before the fire was
extinguished by person B, it had already burned a small portion of the
house.
Person A had already performed all the acts of execution necessary
to produce the felony. The consummation of the crime does not depend
upon the extent of damage caused. Any charring of the wood or any
structure, whereby the fiber of the wood is destroyed, is already
sufficient. It is not necessary that the wood or structure should be
ablaze. Setting fire to the contents inside the building can constitute
consummated crime of arson, whether if no part of the building was
burned.
Fire/Arson Investigation Team

Here is the composition of the investigation team and designated
responsibilities (BFP, 2015):
• Team Leader-assumes overall control of the fire scene.

• Lead Fire Arson Investigator (FAI)- coordinates with the Team
Leader regarding appropriate investigation approach.
• Fire Scene Photographer- photographs the fire scene prior entry
of the investigation team and during walk-through.
• Fire Scene Sketch Preparer- diagrams and illustrates the
immediate area of the fire scene.
• Evidence Recovery Personnel and Custodian- conducts actual
exhaustive search of probable pieces of evidence with the direct
guidance of the Team Leader and Lead FAI at the fire scene.
• Team Security Personnel - ensures the overall security/safety of
the investigating team.
• Arson Laboratory Section (ALS)- BFP team that subjects/ tests
the pieces of evidence for laboratory examination.
Determining Fire Origin

The origin of a fire is one of the most important hypotheses that the
investigator needs to develop and test during the investigation. Generally, if
the origin cannot be determined, the cause cannot be determined and if the
correct origin is not identified, the subsequent cause determination will also
be incorrect (BFP, 2015).
General Procedures in Determining Fire Origin

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection Operations Manual, here are
the general procedure in conducting an arson investigation by determining
the fire origin (2015).
Pre/Before: First Responder Performs Initial Actions
1. Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) receives assignment from the unit

commander.
2. Fire Arson Investigation Team responds immediately and proceeds
to the fire scene.
a. Size up / assess fire scene.
b. Cordon and secure the fire scene to prevent entry of any unauthorized
person.
c. Conduct initial interview to available witnesses within the immediate
vicinity of the fire scene.
3. Fire Scene Photographer documents the fire scene using
camera/video.
4. FAI preserves and protects the evidential value of the identified focal
point of fire (evidence spoliation), and prepares inventory of the items.
5. FAI prepares the Fire Investigation Response Form (FIRP).
6. Team Leader/Lead Fire Arson Investigator reports to superior or
higher investigating unit officer about the incident, and if necessary, turn
over the conduct of investigation according to the Level of Authority.
Actual/During: Conduct On-Scene/On-Site Investigation
7. Team Leader/Lead Fire Arson Investigator establishes Incident

Command Post (ICP).
8. Fire Arson Investigation Team performs preliminary survey by
conducting walkthrough to have an initial assessment of the fire scene.
9. FAI establishes the pre-fire condition of the fire scene by theoretically
reconstructing the burned structure.
10. FAI determines the external and internal degree of damages caused by
the fire.
11. FAI conducts thorough analysis of the Fire Spread Patterns to identify
the Point of Fire Origin's
12. Fire Scene Photographer documents the fire area by the use
of any verifiable means or source of recording.
13. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer diagrams or sketches the immediate area of
the fire scene
Post/After: Submit Mandatory Report
14. Fire Arson Investigation Team submits Spot Investigation Report (SIR)
within 24 hours to City/Municipal Fire Marshal (MFM/CFM) copy
furnished District Fire Marshal (DFM), Provincial Fire Marshal (PFM),
Regional Director (RD), Chief, BFP through Intelligence and
Investigation Division (IID), National Headquarters (BFP-NHQ).
Determining the Fire Cause

The determination of the cause of the fire requires the identification of
materials, circumstances and factors that were necessary for the fire to have
occurred. Likewise, the determination of the cause of fire will expose whether
or not a certain person or entity must be held legally accountable for the
occurrence of the fire (BFP, 2015).
Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) handling the case may require other
documents necessary in the conduct of the investigation. And should also
consider and delve into other possible sources of information. Like local
neighborhood inquiry, available public records, concerned insurance
company/ies and other reliable sources (BFP, 2015).
General Procedures in Determining the Fire Cause
the fire cause (2015).
Pre/Before: Fire Scene Documentation

1. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer and Fire Scene Photographer ensures the
availability of all tools and equipment they need for the investigation.
2. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer prepares a detailed illustration of the
interior and exterior portion of the fire scene, illustration of the Area of
Fire Origin and the Point of Fire Origin, Fire Spread Pattern, affected and
unaffected areas at the fire scene.
3. Fire Scene Photographer photographs the fire scene in wide and
close-up angles for detailed and sequential presentation.
Submission of Pertinent Documents for Investigation
4. Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) prepares the LIST OF DOCUMENTS

needed to be accomplished/submitted by the fire victim/s, building
occupant/s and other parties affected by the fire. The required
documents are listed in Form FAI02: Required Documents for
Investigation. Documents to be obtained from the fire victim vary
based on the TYPE OF OCCUPANCY or the INVOLVED STRUCTURE
gutted by fire.
5. FAI prepares and submits the mandatory reports within the
reglementary period of submission.
Actual/During: Collection and Preservation of Evidence
6. FAI prepares the apparatus to be used for the collection of evidences.

7. FAI identifies and collects physical evidences found at the fire scene that
have Evidentiary Value in the conduct of fire investigation.
8. Evidence Recovery Personnel and Custodian coordinates with Fire Scene
Sketch Preparer for the illustrations of the position and location of all
pieces of evidence collected.
9. Fire Arson Investigator photographs the pieces of evidences to be
collected before lifting and should be in the presence of a witness
independent from the Fire Arson Investigation Team.
10. FAI properly documents, packs, seals and labels the pieces of to Arson
Laboratory Section BFP-NHQ, within 72 hours evidence recovered prior
to transportation and submission upon lifting from the fire scene, for
laboratory examination.
11. FAI fully records/documents, collect, and itemize in detailed format all
the recovered pieces of evidence using the Evidence Collection and
Recovery Record (ECRR).
12. FAI attaches the copy of the Evidence Collection and Recovery Record
(ECRR) to the Evidence Chain of Custody (ECC) form.
Interview and Questioning of Witness
13. FAI issues Invitation Letter to all witnesses to appear before the Office
of the Investigation and Intelligence concerned for a formal
interview.
14. FAI requires the witness to execute and sign his/her Sworn Statement
under oath, and have the same duly subscribed and sworn to before a
person legally authorized to administer oath (Notary Public, Prosecutor,
Clerk of Courts and Judges) or at least a member of the BFP
investigation team with the rank of Fire Inspector.
15. FAI conducts interview and questioning to other experts/professionals
who can provide relevant information about the occurrence of the fire.
Conduct Fire Cause Determination Procedure
16. FAI collects data by observation or other direct data gathering means.
17. FAI analyzes collected data based on acquired knowledge through
training, experience, and expertise.
18. FAI develops hypothesis from collected data using inductive reasoning
19. FAI tests the hypothesis if it can stand the test of careful and serious
challenge.
20. FAI selects final hypothesis.
Post/After: Submit Mandatory Report
21. Fire Arson Investigation Team submits Progress Investigation Report

(PIR) within 7 days from the inception of the investigation to MFM / CFM
copy furnished DFM, PFM, RD, Chief, BFP thru IID, BFP-NHQ,
22. Fire Arson Investigation Team submits Final Investigation Report (FIR)
within 45 days from the inception of the investigation to MFM/CFM copy
furnished DFM, PFM, RD, Chief, BFP thru IID, BFP-NHQ
Determining Responsibility and Liability

The notion of any particular fire investigation is to come up with a correct
conclusion about what transpired on a particular fire incident that resulted to
the death and injury of a person, damage to property and other unwanted
aftermath of the fire (BFP, 2015). Hence, determining the responsibility and
liability of any person involved in a particular fire incident.
Level of Authority to Conduct Investigation

According to the BFP Operations Manual, the following are the levels of
authority to conduct fire investigation:
1. Municipal Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU) have the authority
to conduct investigation on fire incident cases with an incurred damage
in the aggregate amount of not exceeding Twenty Million Pesos (Php
20,000,000.00).
2. City Investigation and Intelligence Section (CIIS) have the authority to
investigate fire incident cases with an incurred damages in the
aggregate amount of not exceeding Thirty Million Pesos (Php
30,000,000.00).
3. Provincial/District Investigation and Intelligence Branch (PIIB/ DIIB)
have the authority to conduct investigation on fire incident cases with
an incurred damage in the aggregate amount of above Thirty Million
Pesos (Php 30,000,000.00) but not exceeding Forty Million Pesos (Php
40,000,000.00).
4. Regional Investigation and Intelligence Branch (RIIB) have the authority
to conduct investigation on fire incident cases with an incurred damage
in the aggregate amount of above Forty Million Pesos (Php
40,000,000.00) but not exceeding Sixty Million Pesos (Php
60,000,000.00).
5. Investigation and Intelligence Division of BFP National Headquarters
have the authority to investigate fire incident cases with incurred
damages in the aggregate amount of Sixty Million Pesos (PhP
60,000,000.00) and above.
Special Provisions on Fire/Arson Investigation

The following are special provisions on Fire/Arson Investigation (BFP,
2015):
• Marine Transportation: In case of occurrence of fire involving a ship
or vessel docked at sea ports/wharves, the BFP investigation unit who
has jurisdiction over such sea port or wharf shall proceed to investigate
the fire incident in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) or the Maritime Police.
• Air Transportation: In case of occurrence of fire involving an aircraft
on the ground, the BFP investigation unit who has jurisdiction over the
area where the fire incident involving an aircraft occurred shall proceed
to investigate the said fire incident in coordination with Civil Aviation
Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) or the Airport Police.
• Forest Fires: In case of occurrence of a forest fire, the BFP investigation
unit who has jurisdiction over the area where the forest fire occurred,
shall proceed to investigate the said fire incident in coordination with
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the
Philippine National Police (PNP) and such other government agency/
entity who may have interest in the said fire incident.
• Gas Leaks and Explosions: In case of occurrence of fire caused by
gas leak or explosion, the BFP investigation unit who has jurisdiction
over the area where the gas leaks or explosion occurred shall proceed
to investigate the matter in coordination with Philippine National Police
(PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), or any investigation unit
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
• Fire Incidents within Economic Zones: In case of occurrence of fire
within an area under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA),
the BFP Investigation unit who has jurisdiction over the area where the
economic zone is located shall proceed to investigate in coordination
with the Zone Manager.
• Investigating Fire incidents with Casualties: Investigation of this nature
involves the visual examination of the body/ cadaver; determination of
identity and other personal circumstances; proper documentation (in
situ - sketch and photographs) and lifting of the cadaver with the
assistance of the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime
Operatives (PNP-SOCO) in order to determine whether the crime
committed is plain Arson or that Arson has been committed to conceal
the commission of other crimes, such as murder or homicide.
General Procedures in Determining Responsibility and Liability

the responsibility and liability (2015).
Pre/Before
1. Chief, Investigation and Intelligence Section thru the Fire Arson

Investigator (FAI) determines the total amount of damages of the fire
incident using the Standard Guide in Computing Fire Damages
Initial Assessment of Fire Damages.
2. Chief, Investigation and Intelligence Section, thru the FAI, determines
level of authority to conduct the investigation.
Actual/During: Determining the Legal Responsibility
3. Fire Arson Investigation Team collects and processes all the pieces
of evidence within the fire scene.
4. Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) prepares the inventory of evidence
collected and submits it to Arson Laboratory Section within 72 hours
upon lifting from the fire scene.
5. FAI discusses preliminary scene findings with the team,
6. FAI discusses post scene issues including forensic testing, insurance
inquiries, interview results and criminal histories.
7. FAI proceeds to address legal considerations.
8. FAI ensures that all scene documentation has been completed.
9. FAI appropriately addresses the structural, environmental,
health and safety issues.
10. FAI completes the investigation process. Should the fire incident being
investigated is highly suspected to be intentional in nature, issuance of
Property Recovery and Clearing Permit (PRCP) must be temporarily
withheld until proven otherwise.
a. If the fire incident is found to be intentional in nature, a criminal
complaint must be filed in the prosecutor's office and the issuance of
the appropriate authority pertaining to clearing, cleaning and/or
demolition of the burned premises shall depend on the discretion of
the prosecutor investigating the case.
b. If the investigation of the fire incident was completed and found out
to be accidental in nature, the Fire Arson Investigator shall issue the
'Release of Fire Scene' to the Property/Building Owner.
11. Fire Arson Investigation Team removes all the investigative equipment
and materials in the fire scene.
Arrest and Custody Over Arson Suspect

12. In cases where the FAI makes an arrest, from the start of the custodial
investigation, he informs the person arrested of his rights in accordance
with Section 12, Para 1 of the 1987 Constitution. The person arrested is
entitled to the following rights:
a. The right to remain silent.
b. The right to have a competent and independent counsel preferably of
his own choice and if he cannot afford the services of a counsel, he
must be provided with one.
13. FAI informs the person arrested that these rights cannot be waived
except in writing and in the presence of a counsel. (Counsel of the
Suspect reads and clearly explains the sworn statement to the person
arrested, detained or under custodial investigation in the language or
dialect known to him.)
14. Fire Arson Investigation Team subjects the arrested Arson suspect, prior
to actual detention, to medical examination, preferably in a government
hospital or other accredited medical facility.
15. FAI subjects the suspect for Inquest Proceedings before the Office of the
Prosecutor within thirty six (36) hours after the arrest, or in case of
municipalities where no government prosecutor is assigned, the FAI
subjects the suspect for inquest at the office of the Provincial
Prosecutor's Office.
16. FAI continuously monitors the case up to its final resolution
Post/After: Attending to the Court Duty

FAI must always be ready with his credentials for the perusal of the court
17. FAI dutifully attends and gives preferential attention to Subpoena or

Order from the courts.
18. FAI immediately notifies the court in writing if he cannot attend a
particular court hearing due to conflict of schedule.
19. FAI/BFP Officer/Personnel who will attend to a Court Duty must wear
complete General Office Attire (GOA).
20. FAI/BFP Officer/Personnel is only required to bring original or
authenticated photocopy of the investigation reports and other case
records if so directed by the court.
21. As proof of attendance to court duty, FAI / BFP Officer / Personnel
secures Certificate of Appearance from the Clerk of Court.
22. In any event that a fire case is requested to be reopened/
reinvestigated, the FAI who conducted the investigation turns over the
complete case folder within five (5) working days to the Office of the
Chief, BFP upon notice from the Investigation and Intelligence Division,
BFP-NHQ of such request, subject to the following conditions:
a. New evidence has been discovered that would warrant the
reinvestigation of the fire case.
b. New witness/es appeared and attested to the veracity of significant
facts pertaining to the fire incident.
c. High profile cases.
d. A formal request for reinvestigation should be filed at the Office of
the Chief BFP, thru the Office of the Investigation and Intelligence
Division, BFP-NHQ by the party requesting for such reinvestigation,
stating therein the grounds/justification relied upon by the party who
filed such request.
e. Upon the approval by the Chief, BFP of the request for reinvestigation,
the investigation unit directed by the Chief, BFP to conduct the
reinvestigation immediately assumes jurisdiction over the fire case.
f. The Higher Investigation Office tasked by the Chief, BFP to conduct
reinvestigation shall temporarily invalidate all the issued clearances /
certificates by the lower BFP investigation until the final result of the
reinvestigation.
g. The Higher Investigation Office tasked by the Chief, BFP to conduct
reinvestigation shall strictly observe that the conduct of
reinvestigation shall not exceed thirty (30) working days from the
date the case was approved for reinvestigation.
h. The Higher Investigation Office tasked by the Chief, BFP to conduct
reinvestigation shall immediately report to the Chief, BFP the result
of such reinvestigation immediately upon the completion thereof.

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Fire Protection

At the end of this chapter, the students will be able to:

3. Enumerate some of the causes of Fires in the Philippines;

4. Differentiate Electrical Overloading and Electrical

In the Philippines, thousands of lives and billions worth of property are

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded to two fire incidents

Philippines' Fire Situation by the Numbers

According to the BFP Accomplishment Report of 2021, the period

Occupancy December December Percentage

Non- 6324 4,060 (38.50)

Types of December December Percentage (%)

Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines

March is the National Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines by virtue

March is one of the hottest months of the year when incidence of

Causes of Fires in the Philippines

The causes of fire ranges from human error to natural occurrences,

An electric overload occurs when too much current passes through

Types of Electrical Overloading

Temporary overloads or transients are overloads that are usually

An overload must be cut off by protection devices before they damage

Causes of Electric Overload

• Inrush currents when starting a motor;

Warning Signs of an Overloaded Electrical Circuit

The primary sign of an overloaded electrical circuit is a breaker

2. Electrical Short Circuit

An electric circuit, path for transmitting electric current'. It includes 1)

Types of Short Circuits

• Normal Short Circuit - It occurs when a powered or hot wire touches a

• Ground Fault Short Circuit- It occurs when a powered or hot wire

When a short circuit occurs electrical current can be hundreds to

Causes of Short Circuits

Short circuits can be caused by the following (Wallender, 2022):

• Vermin or pests chewing through wires;

Ongoing Short Circuits

How to Find and Fix Short Circuits?

This includes unattended burning candles or kerosene lamps that are

5. Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a colorless odorless liquid which

8. Improper Disposal of Cigarette Butts

The Bureau of Fire Protection

Republic Act No. 6975

Mandate and Functions of BFP

• Be responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive

- Building, houses and other structures;

Organizational Structure of BFP

According to the Memorandum Circular No. 2019-002, the

BFP NHQ PPB:

Republic Act No. 9263

Minimum Qualifications of the BFP Uniformed Personnel

1.A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

THE CONCEPT OF COMBUSTION AND FUEL

At the end of this chapter, the students will be able to:

In Complete combustion, the burning fuel will produce only water

Incomplete combustion occurs when the supply of air or oxygen

Explosive Combustion happens when the reaction occurs very

The Fire Triangle

The Fire Tetrahedron