

BU RE A U O F FIR E PR O TEC TI O N
BFP Mission
Legal Mandates Fire Safety Plan
Fire What to do if a Fire Starts
Elements of Fire What to do in Case of Fire
Triangle of Fire Fire Prevention Measures
Methods of Extinguishment Stop-Drop-Roll
Chemistry of Fire Common Causes of Fire in Home
Elements of Fire Tetrahedron Business Estab. Safety Plan
Phases/Stages of Fire P.A.S.S
Causes of Fire
Fire Extinguishing Theories
Classes of Fire
Methods of Heat Transfer
Fire Prevention Tips
Fire Disaster Management
Fire Safety at Home
 The Bureau of Fire
Protection was created by
virtue of RA 6975 primarily
to perform the following
functions:


1. Be responsible for the prevention and
suppression of all destructive fires on;

• Building, houses and other structures;

• Forest;
• Land transportation vehicles and
equipments;
• Ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves
anchored in major sea ports;
• Petroleum industry installations;
• Plane crashes; and
• Other similar activities 
2. Be responsible for the
enforcement of Fire Code of
the Philippines (RA 9514) and
other related laws;


3. 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;


4. In time of national
emergency, all elements of
the BFP shall upon the
direction of the President,
assist the AFP in meeting
the national emergency;
and


5. Shall establish at least
one (1) fire station with
adequate personnel, fire
fighting facilities and
equipment in every
provincial capital, city and
municipality subject to
standard rules and
regulations as maybe
promulgated by the DILG. 
 FIRE

• is an active principle of burning

characterized by heat and light of
combustion.


ELEMENTS OF FIRE
(FIRE TETRAHEDRON)

OXYGEN
HEAT

FUEL
(SOLID,LIQUID & GAS)
UNINHIBITED CHAIN
REACTION
 OXYGEN

FUEL HEAT

 METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
1. SMOTHERING (BLANKETING)
- REDUCTION OR REMOVAL OF
OXYGEN

SMOTHERING
OXYGEN
(BLANKETING)

HEAT
FIRE NEVER EXIST
FUEL
UNINHIBITED CHAIN
REACTION 
 METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
2. COOLING (QUENCHING)
- REDUCTION OR REMOVAL OF
HEAT

SMOTHERING
OXYGEN
(BLANKETING)
COOLING
HEAT
FIRE NEVER EXIST (QUENCHING)

FUEL
UNINHIBITED CHAIN
REACTION
 METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
3. STARVING
- REDUCTION OR REMOVAL OF
FUEL
SMOTHERING
OXYGEN
(BLANKETING)
COOLING
HEAT
FIRE NEVER EXIST (QUENCHING)

STARVING
FUEL
UNINHIBITED CHAIN
REACTION 
 METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
4. INHIBITING
- BREAKING THE CHEMICAL
CHAIN REACTION
SMOTHERING
OXYGEN
(BLANKETING)
COOLING
HEAT
FIRE NEVER EXIST (QUENCHING)

INHIBITING
STARVING
FUEL (BREAKING CHEMICAL CHAIN
REACTION)
UNINHIBITED CHAIN
REACTION 
 THE 4 STAGES OF A FIRE
Incipient – This first stage begins when heat,
oxygen and a fuel source combine and have a
chemical reaction resulting in fire.  This is also
known as “ignition” and is usually represented by
a very small fire which often (and hopefully) goes
out on its own, before the following stages are
reached.  Recognizing a fire in this stage
provides your best chance at suppression or
escape.
Growth – The growth stage is where the
structures fire load and oxygen are used as
fuel for the fire. There are numerous factors
affecting the growth stage including where
the fire started, what combustibles are near
it, ceiling height and the potential for
“thermal layering”.  It is during this shortest
of the 4 stages when a deadly “flashover”
can occur; potentially trapping, injuring or
killing firefighters.
Fully Developed – When the growth
stage has reached its max and all
combustible materials have been
ignited, a fire is considered fully
developed.  This is the hottest phase
of a fire and the most dangerous for
anybody trapped within.
Decay – Usually the longest stage of a fire,
the decay stage is characterized a
significant decrease in oxygen or fuel,
putting an end to the fire.  Two common
dangers during this stage are first – the
existence of non-flaming combustibles,
which can potentially start a new fire if not
fully extinguished.  Second, there is the
danger of a backdraft when oxygen is
reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.
THE 4 STAGES OF A FIRE
 The diffusion flame process (fire)
is a rapid self-sustaining oxidation process
accompanied by the evolution of heat and light
of varying intensities.
FIRE consists of three
basic elements, as
represented by the fire
triangle: HEAT, FUEL
and OXYGEN.
These basic
components have been
recognized in the science 
 Solid or liquid materials do not burn. For combustion to
take place, these materials must be heated sufficiently to
produce vapors. It is these vapors, which actually burn. The
lowest temperature at which a solid or liquid material
produces sufficient vapors to burn under laboratory conditions
is known as the flashpoint.

A few degrees above the flashpoint is the flame point,

the temperature at which the fuel will continue to produce
sufficient vapors to sustain a continuous flame. The
temperature at which the vapors will ignite is the ignition
temperature, sometimes referred to as the auto-ignition
temperature. If the source of the heat is an open flame or
spark, it is referred to as piloted ignition.

 Initially, the fuel may be in the form of a gas, liquid,
or solid at the ambient temperature. As discussed
previously, liquid and solid fuels must be heated
sufficiently to produce vapors.

In general terms, combustible means capable of

burning, generally in air under normal conditions of
ambient temperature and pressure, while flammable is
defined as capable of burning with a flame. This should
not be confused with the terms flammable and
combustible liquids.


 Normally, the primary source of oxygen is the
atmosphere, which contains approximately 20.8 percent
oxygen. A concentration of at least 15 to 16 percent is
needed for the continuation of flaming combustion, while
charring or smoldering (pyrolysis) can occur with as little
as 8 percent.

Pyrolysis is defined as the transformation of a

compound into one or more other substances by heat
alone. While the atmosphere typically is the primary
source of oxygen, certain chemicals, called "oxidizers,"
can be either the primary or secondary source. Examples
are chlorine and ammonium nitrate.

 The combustion reaction can be depicted more
accurately by a four-sided solid geometric form called a
tetrahedron.
The four sides represent HEAT, FUEL, OXYGEN, and
UNINHIBITED CHAIN REACTIONS.

OXYGEN
TEMPERATURE

FUEL
UNINHIBITED CHAIN REACTION
OF COMBUSTION PROCESS

 For many years , these elements was
used to teach the basic components of
fire. This illustration is useful, however
it is not technically correct. For
combustion to occur, four elements are
necessary. Thus the illustration of the
“TETRAHEDRON”


1. INCIPIENT/IGNITION -Setting up
2. GROWTH STAGE - Heat Release / Roll Over
3. FLASHOVER STAGE - Thermal layer of gases
- Rising Temperature but flame
over do not occur
- Danger of thermal imbalance due to
immediate ventilation (Backdraft)

4. FULLY DEVELOPED STAGE - All fuel totally consumed

by fire
5. DECAYING STAGE - Fuel controlled

 1. NATURAL CAUSE - Involves those fires caused without direct
human
Examples:
intervention

1. Lightning

2. Volcanic Eruptions

3. Earthquakes
4. Others

2. ACCIDENTAL CAUSE -Involves all those where the proven cause

does not involve a deliberated human act to
ignite or spread the fire into an area.

 Arson – is a willful, malicious burning
PREDOMINATING MOTIVES OF ARSON
A. Economic Gain
B. Insurance Fraud
C. Hatred, Revenge, Jealousy
D. Public Disorder
E. Concealment of Other Crimes
F. Terrorism

4. UNDETERMINED CAUSE - whenever the cause cannot be proven


A. Reducing Heat - Cooling

B. Removal of Fuel - Removing/ Starving

C. Exclusion of Oxygen - Blanketing / Smothering

D. Inhibition of Chain Reaction - Inhibiting


 CLASS COLOR OF
SMOKE
COLOR OF
FLAME
EXTINGUISHED
BY

A. Ordinary Combustible
Materials GRAY ORANGE WATER
Ex. Wood, paper, cloth, grass

B. Flammable Liquids
BLACK RED FIRE
Ex. Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, paints, EXTINGUISHER
thinner

C. Energized Electrical
FIRE
Equipment and Appliances GRAY SILVER EXTINGUISHER

D. Combustible Materials
MULTI MULTI X
Ex. Gun powder, ammonium nitrate,
pyrotechnics, etc COLORED COLORED

1. CONDUCTION - Heat transfer by direct
contact from one body to another

2. CONVECTION - Heat transfer by circulating

medium, either gas or liquid or by
moving currents of gas or liquid.

3. RADIATION - the transmission of heat

through the discharge and spread of heat
from a burning object.

 Refers to all
measures to prevent
the spread of fire.

FIRE PREVENTION
TIPS


UNATTENDED
COOKING
 IMPROPER WIRING SYSTEM

IMPROPER DISCARDING OF CIGARETTE BUTTS

UNATTENDED ELECTRIC IRON
OCTOPUS CONNECTION – OVERLOADING OF CIRCUIT.
 Unattended cooking equipment Unattended electric iron

Improper wiring system

Improper discarding of cigarette butts Octopus connection – overloading of circuit.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN PLAYING MATCHES
FIRE TRAPPED WINDOW GRILLS
Unattended children playing matches Mosquito coils near combustible rugs

Fire trapped window grills


19 MARCH 1996
160 persons killed
83 persons injured
P 15M in damages


 12 JANUARY 2004
12,500 families left homeless
6,000 homes burned to the ground
P40M in damages 
 R 1 99 8
E M BE
E C
03 D s k il led
p e rson l ts)
27 5a d u
e n &
2 c h ildr g es
(2 da m a
M in
P 10 
18 AUGUST 2001
75 persons killed
19 persons injured

P 12M in damages
 The fire safety plan is a very
important part of the overall fire
and life safety program within the
building.
Its purpose is to prevent potential
injuries and deaths and to protect
your residential and/or company
from damage or loss due to fire.
 If a fire starts in your
home you will be scared,
but try very hard to stay
calm.
Having a Fire Escape
Plan, so you know what to
do if there is a fire, could
save your life.

 FIRE PLAN PART 1
If you are woken up by the sound of your smoke alarm or by the
sound of what you think is a fire, remember:

ð Stay calm. Wake up all the members of your family.

ð Make your way out together, through the nearest exit.
ð Do not open any doors other than the ones you need to escape
through.
ð If a door feels hot, DO NOT open it.
ð When everyone is safely outside call the Fire Service from a
public telephone or a neighbor’s house.
ð DO NOT GO BACK TO THE HOUSE for any reason until
the Fire Service tells you it is safe to return.
If the fire is blocking your way or you cannot use the stairs for any
reason, you must use the second part of your Fire Escape Plan. 
 FIRE PLAN PART 2
In fires, there is sometimes a lot of smoke. This can kill you. If
you have to go through a smoke - filled hallway or room, get down
on your hands and knees and crawl under it.
ð Get all the family into a room from where it would be safest
to drop from a window, onto a flat roof or into the garden.
ð ALWAYS pass children down first. Never leave children
until last.
ð   Remember – never jump!
ð   Lower yourself to arms length and then drop.
ð   When everyone is out safely, find a telephone and dial
117.
 If you are trapped by smoke and cannot escape through a
window, use part three of your Fire Escape Plan.

 FIRE PLAN PART 3
If you are trapped in a room by smoke or fire, you need to try to
stop smoke getting into the room.
ð Close the door.
ð Block any gaps into the room. Use towels, blankets or spare
clothes.
ð If there is a telephone in the room dial 117.
ð If there is no telephone, go to the window and shout for help.
ð Once you know you have been heard and help is on the way,
stay near to the floor by the window. Smoke and heat rise so you are
safer near to the ground.
If your windows are double glazed, use a heavy object and hit the
window in a bottom corner. Make any jagged edges safe with a towel
or blanket.

 Every business establishment should
have a fire safety plan, which should be
reviewed with all new employees when
they begin their job and with all
employees when the plan is changed.

 FIRE PREVENTION:
The first line of defense against fire is to prevent it in the
first place. It is the responsibility of all employees to prevent
fires.
All employees should be appraised of the potential fire
hazards in their work area and they should be trained in
safe work procedures and practices.
Employees are expected to follow proper procedures to
prevent fires and to notify their supervisor or other
management personnel if they observe any condition that
could lead to the ignition of a fire or could increase the
spread of a fire.


THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME GENERAL
FIRE PREVENTION PRACTICES:
   ó All ignition sources (i.e., open flames, cutting torches,
spark producing equipment, electric motors, heating
equipment, etc.) should be controlled and contact with
combustible and flammable materials must be avoided. Keep
all combustible materials at least five feet from such ignition
sources and all flammable liquids at least twenty feet away.
ó Extensive use of electrical extension cords should be
avoided. Any damaged or frayed electrical wiring, equipment
cords, extension cords, etc. should be removed from service
immediately and replaced or repaired.


THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME GENERAL FIRE
PREVENTION PRACTICES:
ó  Any use of flammable liquids must be done in a manner
that prevents spills and prevents the flammable liquid or its
vapor or spray from coming in contact with any ignition
source. All flammable liquids must be stored in proper
flammable liquid storage containers and kept in the proper
storage cabinets.
ó Housekeeping and storage practices are critical to
preventing fires. Any combustible materials must be stored in
neat stacks with adequate aisle space provided to prevent easy
spread of fire and to allow for access to extinguish any fire
that may start. Trash, scrap, and other unnecessary
combustibles must be cleaned up immediately and placed in
proper disposal containers.
  ó  Smoking should be prohibited in the premises. 
BUILDING FIRE EXITS:
ó Fire exit doors must not be blocked or locked to
prevent emergency use when employees are within
the building.
ó Exit routes from the building must be clear and
free of obstructions. All exits are marked with signs
designating exits from the building.
ó Each area of the building shall have at least two
means of escape remote from each other that are to
be used in a fire emergency. The location of exits and
the path of egress should be shown on maps posted
throughout the building.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
  ó Every area in the building should have a
full complement of the proper type of fire
extinguisher for the fire hazards present.
The fire extinguishers should be inspected
annually by a fire protection equipment
company and tagged with the date of
inspection. If a fire extinguisher is used or
discharged for any reason, it must be removed
from service and replaced with another
properly charged extinguisher while it is being
recharged.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
ó Employees who are expected or anticipated to use fire
extinguishers should be instructed on the hazards of fighting
fires, how to properly operate the fire extinguishers available,
and what procedures to follow in alerting others to the fire
emergency.
These employees will attempt to extinguish only small
incipient fires. If a fire cannot be immediately and easily
extinguished with a fire extinguisher, the employees will
evacuate the building rather than try to fight the fire.
All employees who are not trained and designated to fight
fires are to immediately evacuate the building at the first sign
of fire or initiation of the fire alarm and are prohibited from
using an extinguisher.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION:
ó If any employee discovers a fire or smoke, the employee
should immediately pull the nearest fire alarm box.
If there is time and it is safe to do so, the employee will
also call the front office receptionist to report the fire.
If the fire does not involve the office, the receptionist will
call 160/117 and report the fire to the nearest fire
department. The receptionist will then make an
announcement over the public address system that there is a
fire, give the location of the fire and instruct all employees to
evacuate the building. The receptionist will then exit the
building.


EMERGENCY EVACUATION:
ó When the fire alarm sounds or a fire is otherwise
announced, all employees (except those designated
and trained to use fire extinguishers) are expected
to immediately exit the building by proceeding to
the nearest exit in an orderly fashion.
If the nearest exit is blocked by fire or smoke,
the employees should proceed to an alternate exit.
There should be no running, shouting, pushing, etc.
A calm orderly evacuation is the safest for all
concerned.


EMERGENCY EVACUATION:
ó Upon exiting the building, all employees are to proceed
to the designated meeting area(s) so that they are away from
the building, are not hampering access by fire fighters, and
can be counted and accounted for. The designated meeting
area(s) for our building is (insert the location(s) where
employees are to meet outside the building). Supervisors and
managers will account for all of their employees to ensure
that no one is still in the building and unaccounted for.
ó Where needed, special procedures for helping physically
impaired employees will be established. This will be done on
a case by case basis when the employee is first hired or when
the physical impairment first occurs.


EMPLOYEE TRAINING:
ó All new employees should receive fire prevention and
emergency evacuation training when they are hired. All
employees should receive a refresher training and a review of
this plan on an annual basis.
ó Fire drills, to include a practice evacuation of the building
should be conducted at least annually. These drills will be used
to evaluate employee response and behavior and will help us
determine where more training is needed.
ó Those employees who are designated and authorized to use
fire extinguishers to fight small fires will receive training in
the proper use of extinguisher, how to extinguish a fire, the
hazards involved in fighting fires, and when not to fight a fire
and evacuate the area instead.

 THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS SHOULD BE
ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN.
Ü Map the complete layout of the building, verifying all the exit
locations, occupied rooms, offices, incorporating the property lot and
building size measurements, highlighting street access and names,
noting any other vital fire fighter entry information.
Ü Document the locations of the onsite fire extinguishers, fire
hoses, standpipe stations, fire alarm system & detection devices,
emergency lighting, fire pumps, sprinkler risers & Siamese
connections, etc.
Ü Describe fire alarm system specifications, including the
operation sequence of the control panel and layout of all fire detection
devices (i.e. heat and smoke detectors, fire bells, pull stations, also any
auxiliary shuts downs, door releases and monitoring agency functions
and information).

 THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS SHOULD BE
ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN.
Ü Outline the preventative maintenance program, including servicing
requirements, monthly inspections and tests, performance details, and fire
logging methods pertaining to the audit of all the fire protection equipment
within the building.
Ü Provide sample signage indicating overall floor plans, each exit
within the building and the location of the fire extinguishers, fire hoses and
stations, fire alarm & devices, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems,
emergency gas and water shut off valves and electrical disconnect switches.
Ü Outline fire drill intervals, occupant emergency evacuation
procedures and alternative measures in fire emergency situations.
Ü Indicate of all on-site fire hazards and measures to be taken by the
supervisory staff and fire wardens.


 Although extinguishers can vary in size, color
and type of extinguishing agent, all devices
operate basically the same way.
If the fire is small and heavy smoke is NOT
present and you have an exit available to you for

evacuation purposes, grab the nearest appropriate
 FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME
Every year, more than 100 Filipinos die in home
fires. Thousands more suffer with the loss of dwellings
and valuables while hundreds are disfigured by fire.
Practically all fires in the home can be prevented. If
a fire occurs in your home, your chances of survival
will depend on how quickly and safely you are able to
get out. But better still, every member of the family
must know how to suppress a fire to prevent it from
occurring.


COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE
IN THE HOMES

 Electrical short circuits

 Unattended cooking equipment
 Unattended lighted candles or kerosene lamps
 Overheated electrical appliances
 Cigarettes and matches
 Kitchen grease
 Unattended flammable chemicals in the house
 Arson

FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES
At Home

• Put phone numbers of fire department near phone or in your

mobile phone.
• Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping. Dispose
waste paper, rubbish and other flammable materials regularly.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Lighted oil or gas lamps and candles should be placed away
from curtains. Do not put them where the wind, pets or
children may topple them. Put out the flame before going to
bed.


• Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, kerosene
and paint inside the house.
• Regularly check your electrical installations and have all
frayed wirings and electrical fixtures changed or repaired
by a competent electrician.
• Do not overload electrical circuits by putting additional
lights and appliances.
• Blown fuses should not be replaced with coins, wires or
any metal.
• Never leave a lit cigarette/cigar/pipe unattended. It may
fall on flammable materials which could start a fire.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.

IN THE KITCHEN
• Never leave the pan while cooking or frying.
• Never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off
smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool. Otherwise,
it could catch fire.
• If the pan does catch fire:
 Do not throw water into the fire.
 Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so but

never lean over the pan to reach the

cooker controls.
 Cover the pan with a damp cloth or damp

towel. 
• If you are in any doubt about whether to
try to put out a pan fire yourself, then
don’t! Leave the kitchen, close the door
and call the fire department.


BEDTIME ROUTINE
Many fires in the home start at night. Here are a few
simple things you should do before retiring to bed:

• Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances.

• Put out all lighted candles or gas/oil lamps.
• Make sure your electric stove or gas range is switched
off.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Make sure no cigarettes or pipes are still burning. Before
emptying ash trays, make sure the contents are cold.
• Close the doors of all rooms.

 DEVELOP YOUR OWN
HOME EVACUATION PLAN
If a fire occurs in your home, you may have to get out in
the dark and under difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire
will be a lot easier if you have already planned your
evacuation/escape route and know where to go.

• Plan two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms.

Make sure you can unlock all locks and open all windows
and doors quickly, even in the dark.
• Make sure that your planned evacuation/escape route is
free from any obstruction and that there are no loose floor
coverings that could trip you.

• Assign family members instructions and
responsibilities based on the evacuation plan.
• Make special arrangements for small children and
family members with disabilities.
• Make sure that everyone in the house should be
familiar with the evacuation plan.
• Conduct home fire drills regularly and practice
evacuating/escaping using pre-determined
evacuation/escape routes and proceeding to pre-
determined evacuation area/s.


WHAT TO DO IF A FIRE STARTS
We all try to prevent fire occurring in our home
but it only takes one unguarded or careless
moment for a fire to start. In just a couple of
minutes, your house could be filled with smoke.
Smoke and fumes can kill – particularly the highly
poisonous smoke from some furnishings.

And you will only have a short time to get out…


 THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT
EVERY FAMILY MEMBER MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER
AND DO IF A FIRE STARTS IN THE HOME:

• Do not panic!
• Try to extinguish the fire and if you think you cannot,
evacuate!
• Get everyone out as quickly as possible.
• Do not waste precious time saving valuables or
possessions.
• If possible, close the door of the room where the fire is
and close all doors behind you as you leave. This will
help delay the spread of fire and smoke.

• Evacuate calmly. Stay down on the floor to
avoid inhaling smoke; cover your mouth and
nose with a wet towel or cloth and crawl
towards safety.
• Once you have evacuated safely, never go
back to the house until a fire officer has told
you it is safe to do so.
• Make sure that all family members have
evacuated and are all accounted for.

WHAT TO DO
IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH FIRE

 S T O P!
 When you are in motion, do not run or
make unnecessary movements.

 D R O P!
 Immediately drop to the ground and cover
your face with your hands.

 R O L L!
 Roll over and over to smother the flames. 
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
It is always easy to put out a fire at the start; even your
mere impulse may sometimes be enough. If you know how,
you can put out a fire with a rug, a heavy garment, a pail of
sand, soil , a pail of water or maybe fire fighting apparatus. It
will be advantageous for us to learn the technique of putting
out the different kinds of fire at its earliest stage, and to have
available at all times the various extinguishing agents.
However, the best equipment in firefighting is calmness. We
should not get excited and lose our mind. Call the fire
department at once. Arrange for emergency escape of all
occupants, after all human lives are more precious.

 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
• A fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an
extinguisher, is an active fire protection device used to
extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency
situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire,
such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the
user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.),
or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department.
Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held
cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can
be discharged to extinguish a fire.
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
There are two main types of fire extinguishers:
• stored pressure and cartridge-operated
In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the
same chamber as the firefighting agent itself.
Depending on the agent used, different propellants are
used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is
typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically
use air. Stored pressure fire extinguishers are the most
common type. Cartridge-operated extinguishers contain
the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is
punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to
the extinguishing agent.
