Lesson 2.

1
IGNITION, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE

Factors to be considered in determining phases of burning:

1. The amount of time the fire has burned;

2. The ventilation characteristics of the confining structure;

3. The amount and type of combustibles present

STAGES/PHASES OF FIRE
1. INCIPIENT/IGNITION PHASE
 Ignition describes the period when the four elements
of the fire tetrahedron come together and combustion
begins.

2. FREE-BURNING/GROWTH PHASE
 Once a reaction between the fuel and oxygen has
started, the combustion can be rapid.

3. SMOULDERING PHASE/DECAY
 The final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but
dense smoke and heat completely fill the confined In
enclosed compartments the oxygen supply can be
reduced and it may suppress the fire or it may appear
that the fire is extinguished.
THERMAL LAYERING OF GASES
The thermal layering of gases is the tendency of gases
to form into layers according to temperature.

PULSATION CYCLE
 a warning sign for backdraft as smoke 'pulses'
intermittently in and out at a ventilation/entry point

 blueflames a warning sign preceding a backdraft as

noted by Grimwood.
FIRE INTENSITY
 The rate of heat production from a fire determines the effect on the
adjacent equipment and structures.

FIRE SPREAD
 Heat released from a fire passes to other areas or equipment either by
means of convection, conduction, or radiation.
Lesson 3.1
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
"The First Aid in Fire fighting Operation"

Fire Extinguishers
 A portable device used to put out fires of limited size.
It is a mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals,
fluids, or gases for stopping fires, the means for application of its
contents for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fire)
before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place
to place.

 designed primarily for use by people other than firefighters.

Classification of Fire Extinguishers:

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to

extinguish fires involving different types of fuels.

The class of extinguisher should be indicated on the

extinguisher shell/container.

The "picture-symbol" labelling system used is

designed to make the operation of fire extinguishers
more effective and safe to use through the use of
less confusing pictorial labels.
Extinguisher with this label is suitable for Class - A
fires, but not suitable for Class B and C fires.

Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary

combustibles, such as wood and paper.

The "picture-symbol" marking system for an

extinguisher intended for Class B and C fires, but not for
Class A fires

Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving

flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc.
The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher
states the approximate number of square feet of a
flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect
to extinguish.
The "picture-symbol" marking system for an extinguisher intended for Class B and C
fires, but not for Class A fires

Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as

grease, gasoline, oil, etc.
The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate
number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can
expect to extinguish.
An extinguisher with this marking is suitable both for Class A, B, and C fires.
Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be
labelled with more than one designator.

Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use electrically energized fires. This class of fire
extinguishers on does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter "C"
indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on

flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. There is no
picture designator for Class D extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no rating
nor they are given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of metal fires.
Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Steps in using Portable Fire Extinguisher
Portable Fire Extinguisher
Designed to use for
immediately
controlling
workplace fires.

Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher.

Aim or point the nozzle or outlet toward the
base of the fire.
Semi-Portable/ Wheeled Type Squeeze the handle above the carrying handle
to discharge the agent.
Designed to provide a To stop the discharge, release the handle.
way of getting a sizeable Sweep the nozzle in side to side motion before
amount of extinguishing the flames to spread the extinguishing agent.
agent to a fire rapidly. Direct the agent at the base of the flames.
Types of Portable Fire extinguishers

1. H2O (water)

2. Dry Chemicals

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

4. AFFF (foam)

5. Halons

6. Dry Powder (metal/sand fire extinguishers)

7. Halotron I

8. FE-36 (Hydrofluorocarbon-236fa) HFC-236fa

9. Water Mist
The Most Common Extinguishing Agents Used:
1. Water - used only on Class A fires. These extinguishers
contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on
Class A fires.
Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material
below its ignition temperature. Under certain conditions, the
steam converted from the water will exclude oxygen and
smother the fire.
Anti-freeze solutions added to the water in some of these
extinguishers prevent freezing but add nothing to the
effectiveness. Most of the extinguishers are 2 ½ gallons in
capacity and it will deliver a stream up to 40 feet horizontally -
contains water and compressed gas.
Ways or Methods Water Extinguishes Fires
Cooling - The outstanding heat absorbing qualities of water
make it an excellent cooling agent.
Smothering - When water is used to smother a fire, stream
must be generated in sufficient amounts to exclude or
displaced air.
2. Dry Chemicals: Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multi-purpose use. It
contains an extinguishing agent and uses a compressed, non- flammable gas as a propellant.
Types:

a. Regular or ordinary (sodium and potassium bicarbonate respectively) used only Class B or
C Class fires.
b. Multi-purpose dry chemicals (ammonium phosphate) used on Class A, Class B, and Class C.
These extinguishers come in a wide range of sizes with range of agents.

Extinguishing sizes. Trade Name Fire Classes Chemical

a. 1.1kg (2.5lbs)
1. Foray A,B,C and E Monammonium phospate
b. 2.3kg (5lbs)
c. 4.5kg(10lbs) 2. Plus-fifty C B,C and E Sodium bicarbonate
d. 9.1kg(20lbs) 3. Purple K A,B,C and E Potassium bicarbonat
e. 11.3kg(25 lbs) 4. Multipupose A,B,C and E Ammonium phosphate
f. 13.6kg(30lbs) 5. Tri-Class A,B,C and E Monammonium phosphate
6. Monnex A,B,C and E Urea and potassium bicarbonate
3. Carbon Dioxide - used on Class B and Class C fires. CO2 extinguishes fire by
smothering, reducing the oxygen level below that which supports combustion. These
extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet.
Under certain conditions, the coldness of the gas also helps put out the fire. It is an
inert gas. When CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or tank such a fire
extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid.
When it passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, it changes from a
liquid to a gas and the expansion chills it to low temperatures so that approximate 30
% of the liquid CO2 is converted into a solid dioxide "snow" or "dry ice." The cooling
will often cause ice to form around the "horn" where the gas is expelled from the
extinguisher. Since there is the possibility that the fire could re-ignite, continue to
apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out.
These extinguishers are very similar in appearance and operation to stored pressure
water extinguishers. The extinguishing agent is an aqueous film forming foam
surfactant (AFFF).
4. AFFF/ Foam - used only on Class A and B fires. Foam and preventing flammable
vapours from escaping Foam will also smother by keeping oxygen from mixing with
the vapours and cool with a constant layer of water bearing foam. The quick "knock-
down and "heat reduction properties of AFFF have proven it to be a highly effective
agent.
This is not only extinguish the fire but also prevents the release of fuel vapours which
could result in flashbacks.

Carbon tetrachloride was one of the first chemicals used in portable fire
extinguishers in 1908. However, the vapours were toxic.
Bromotrifluoromethane or halon 1301 was introduced in 1954 in a high vapour
pressure compressed gas extinguisher.
This extinguisher was intended for use on liquid fuel and live electrical equipment
fires. A medium vapor pressure extinguisher using bromochlorodifluoromethane or
halon 1211 became available in 1973.
5. Halons - used on Class B and C fires. These liquefied gases are most effective in interrupting the chain reaction,
but they also have slight smothering and cooling effects. These are made up of carbon and one or more halogen
elements like fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and bromine.

The older (better known) agents such as carbon tetra-chloride (Halon 104) and chlorobromomethane (Halon 1011)
are less effective and more toxic than the newer agents now in use.

Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane) is a gas at normal temperature, it is discharge both partly as a liquid
spray and partly as a gas.

Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane) is treated as a liquefied gas and, the least toxic of the Halons. This low toxicity
allows for safe discharge from total flood systems in occupied spaces such as computer rooms.

Dry powder- combustible metal extinguishers.

Use on class D fires. Dry powder extinguishers are intended for use on class D (combustible metal) fires.
They are basically the stored pressure and cartridge type.
Under certain conditions, the coldness of the gas also helps put out the fire. It is an inert gas. When CO2 is stored
under pressure in a cylinder or tank such a fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid.
When it passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, it changes from a liquid to a gas and the expansion
chills it to low temperatures so that approximate 30 % of the liquid CO2 is converted into a solid dioxide "snow" or
"dry ice." The cooling will often cause ice to form around the "horn" where the gas is expelled from the
extinguisher. Since there is the possibility that the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire
appears to be out.
6. Metal/Sand Extinguishers (Dry Powder) -these types of extinguishers are primarily used for
flammable metals (Class D).
The following are different types of Metal/Sand Extinguishing Agents:
Sodium Chloride - used for metal fires involving magnesium, sodium (spills and in depth),
potassium, sodium/potassium alloys, uranium and powdered aluminum.
Powdered Copper Metal (Cu metal) - used for fires involving lithium and lithium alloys.
Graphite-based powders - these are designed for use on lithium fires. It is also effective on fires
involving high melting metals such as zirconium and titanium.
Sodium Bicarbonate Based Dry Agents - suppress fires with most metal alkyls, pyrophoric
liquids such as: triethylaluminum.
Sodium Bicarbonate Based Dry Powder - can be used with most Class D fire.

TRADE-NAME COMMON SIZES CHEMICAL NAME

Met - 1-x 9.1 kg (20lbs) & Sodium chloride
13.kg (30lbs)
Lith – x 11.3 kg (25lbs) & Graphite based
13.6 kg (30lbs)
Na –x 11.3 kg (25lbs) & Sodium carbonate based
13.6 kg (30lbs)
7. Halotron I Extinguishers - are intended for use on class B and Class C fires
These extinguisher Halotron I is an ozone-friendly replacement for Halon 1211, (which was
banned by international agreements starting 1994). This "clean" agent discharges as a
liquid, has a high visibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or static shock, leaves
no residue and is non-conducting.

8. FE-36 - (Hydrofluorocarbon-236fa or known as HFC-236fa) - it is a DuPont-manufactured

Halon 1211 replacement. This agent is less toxic than both Halon 1211 and Halotron I. It has
a zero ozone- depleting effect or potential. FE-36 is not scheduled for phase-out whereas
Halotron I production is slated to cease in 2015.

9. Water Mist Extinguishers - Ideal used for Class A fire where a potential Class C hazard
exists. Unlike an ordinary water extinguisher, the misting nozzle provides safety from
electric shock and reduces scattering of burning materials. In non-magnetic versions, water
mist extinguishers are the preferred choice for MRI or NMR facilities or for deployment on
mine sweepers.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
NMR's (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers)
Types of Extinguisher Testing

Hydrostatic Test - an internal pressure check of an extinguisher or shell to detect possible failure
under pressure.
Service Test - the operational testing of an extinguisher conducted yearly to determine its
functions to operate properly.
Hydrostatic Testing Procedure

First, the extinguisher valve is removed and the threads and interior of the cylinder are checked
for corrosion, pitting, and any other abnormalities If the cylinder passes the visual inspection, it
is placed into a steel chamber, which is then filled with water at normal pressure. A glass burette
attached to the side of the steel chamber will read zero, indicating normal or zero pressure of the
chamber water of the extinguisher's cylinder. As the pressure increases, the Water is then
applied at high pressure to the interior cylinder will expand and push water from the steel
chamber through a small hole and into the glass burette.
After the pressure is released, the cylinder will contract and the water will move from the
burette back to the steel chamber. Depending on the results.
These types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since they
leave no residue to clean up. extinguishers have a limited range, usually from 4-6 Halon feet.
Lesson 3.2
FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL AND EXTINGUISHMENT, AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
Fire Suppression - means slowing down the rate of burning.

Control - means keeping the fire from spreading or holding

the fire to one area.

Extinguishment - is putting the fire completely out.

Starving the _ Isolate the fuel supply

fire or fuel
Removing the _ Cooling
heat source
Reducing the _ Inert (Suppocation)
oxygen
content
Uninhibited _ Inhibitation/Interuption
Chemical
Reaction
• Starving the fire or fuel- Isolate the fuel supply
 Removing the fuel source effectively extinguishes some
fires.
 The fuel source may be removed by stopping the flow of
liquid or gaseous fuel or by removing solid fuel in the path
of fire. Another method of fuel removal is to allow a fire
to burn until all fuel is consumed.
• Chemical Interruption/Inhibition
 Extinguishing agents such as some dry
chemicals and halogenated
agents(halons) interrupt the
combustion reaction and stop flaming.

• Removing the heat source: Cooling

 One of the most common methods of extinguishment is
cooling with water. This process depends on reducing the
temperature of a fuel to a point where it does not
produce sufficient vapor to burn.

• Reducing the oxygen content: Inert (Suffocation)

 Reducing the oxygen to the combustion process reduces a
fire's growth and may totally extinguish it over time. In its
simplest form, this method is used to extinguish cooking
stove fires when a cover is placed over & pan of burning
food.
CHEMICAL INTERRUPTION/INHIBITION

The sequence of events in suppressing or extinguishing a fire by interrupting the chemical reaction.

Extinguishing agents such as some dry chemicals and halogenated agents (halons) interrupt the
combustion reaction and stop flaming.

If water is used as an Most ignitable liquids (those that support combustion) extinguishing agent,
the fuel can float on it while continuing to burn. If the fuel is unconfined, using water could
unintentionally spread a fire.
The effectiveness of an extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the
amount and type of agent in the extinguisher. Different extinguishing
agents can be used to put out a certain class of fire by one or more
methods.

1. Removing oxygen;
2. Removing the fuel;
3. Removing heat; and
4. Interrupting the chemical chain reaction.