• Introduction

• Physical Science
– Definition
– Basic Components
– Fire Tetrahedron
– Fire Extinguishment Theory
– Classification of Fires
• Phases of Fire
• Special Considerations
 Introduction
• Fire has been both a help and hindrance to
mankind
– heated homes, cooked our food, helped us to
become technologically advanced
• Firefighters should have a basic
understanding of the science of fire and the
factors that affect its ignition, growth, and
spread; to perform safely and effectively in
any firefighting function
 Physical Science
• Definition
– Fire is a rapid oxidation of combustible materials
accompanied by the released of heat and light at various
intensities.

• Basic Components of Fire:

1. Oxidizing Agent (Oxygen)
• those materials that yield oxygen or other oxidizing gases during
the course of a chemical reaction
• bromates, bromine, chlorates, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, nitrates,
nitric acid, nitrites, perchlorates, permanganates, peroxides
2. Heat
• a form of energy.
• sources
– chemical – chemical reactions generate heat
– electrical – current flow generates heat; ex. overloading, static,
lightning
– mechanical – friction and compression
– nuclear – fission or fusion of atoms
• ways on how heat supports the combustion reaction
– the pyrolysis or vaporization of solid and liquid fuels and the
production of ignitable vapors or gases
– provides the energy necessary for ignition
– causes the continuous production and ignition of fuel vapors or
gases so that the combustion reaction can continue
3. Fuel
• the material or substance being oxidized or burned in the
combustion process
• also known as the reducing agent
• forms
– Solid – coal, wood, plastic, paper, cloth, wax, grease, leather, cork,
etc
– Liquid – gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, alcohol, paint, varnish, oil,
etc
– Gas – natural gas, propane, butane, hydrogen, acetylene, carbon
monoxide, etc

4. Chemical Chain Reaction

a series of reactions that occur in sequence with the
results of each individual reaction being added to the rest
Fire Extinguishment Theory
Temperature
Reduction

Fuel Removal
Exclusion of
Oxygen
Inhibition of
Chain Reaction
– Class “A” Ordinary combustible materials
• wood, paper, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics
• can be extinguished by temperature reduction

– Class “B” Flammable/combustible liquids

• gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, paint, varnish, etc
• oxygen exclusion is the most effective extinguishing method
• removal of fuel and temperature reduction can also be applied,
as well as interruption of the chain reaction by dry chemical
agents
– Class “C” Energized electrical fires
• household appliances, computers, transformers, and
overhead transmission lines
• can sometimes be controlled by a non-conducting
extinguishing agent such as halon, dry chemical, or
CO2
• safest procedure is to de-energize high voltage
circuits and fight the fire appropriately depending
upon the fuel involved
– Class “D” Combustible metal fires
• aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium.,
potassium, etc.
• hazardous in powdered form
• water and other common extinguishing agents are
ineffective due to extremely high temperature
• special extinguishing agents are available for control
of fire in each of the metals
 – Class “K” Combustible cooking media
• Cooking oils
• Grease
• combustible cooking fuels such as vegetable
or animal fats

• Extinguishing agents:
– wet chemicals, water-based solutions of potassium
carbonate-based chemical (High Temp.)
Mechanism of
Heat Transfer

– Conduction
• the point-to-point
transmission of heat
energy
• result of direct contact
with a heat source
Mechanism of
Heat Transfer

– Convection
• the transfer of heat
energy by the
movement of heated
liquids or gases
• there is movement
or circulation of a
fluid
Mechanism of
Heat Transfer

– Radiation
• the transmission of
energy as an
electromagnetic
wave without an
intervening medium
• Fuel, heat, and
oxygen are
present.
• Fuel is heated to
its ignition
temperature.
• Additional fuel is
involved.
• Fire grows larger.
• Convection
draws more air
into fire.
• Thermal layering
– Hot gases collect
at ceiling and
bank downward.
• All combustible
materials in a room
ignite at once.
• Temperatures can
reach 1000 °F.
• Flashovers are
deadly!
• Heat produced at maximum rate
• Oxygen consumed rapidly
• Fire will burn as long as fuel and oxygen
remain.
• Fuel is nearly exhausted.
• Intensity reduces.
• Eventually fire will go out.
Four conditions particular to interior fires
that affect fire fighter (and civilian) safety:
• Licks of flame ignite briefly in upper
layers of smoke
• A warning sign of imminent flashover
• Situation calls for aggressive cooling of
atmosphere, immediate exit, or
immediate ventilation.
• Sudden ignition of all contents
• Minimal chance of survival
• Flashover often occurs just as fire
fighters arrive on the scene.
• Explosion that occurs when oxygen is
suddenly admitted to a confined area that is
very hot and filled with combustible vapors.

• Usually occurs when a fire is smoldering

– Room is filled with carbon monoxide and
other products of combustion.
– Sudden introduction of air will explosively
feed the fire.
• Signs of an impending backdraft:
– Little or no flame visible
– Smoke emanating from cracks
– No large openings
– “Living fire” visible
– Unexplained change in color of smoke
– Glass smoke stained or blackened
– Signs of extreme heat
• Superheated gases collect near
ceiling.
• Temperatures are lowest near
floor.
• Fire streams create steam that
expands and rises.
F03 Salvador V Serrato Jr