DRR LAS 13 (FIRE TRIANGLE AND CAUSES OF FIRE)

• A FIRE TRIANGLE is a model for conveying the components of a fire : HEAT, FUEL, AND OXYGEN
• The three elements must be combined in the right proportions for a fire to OCCUR.
• If ANY of the 3 elements are REMOVED...


  the fire is extinguished
• the first element in the FT and the MOST essential of fire elements


  HEAT
• A fire cannot ignite unless it has a certain "AMOUNT" of heat, and it cannot "GROW" without heat
• One of the first things fire fighters do to extinguish a fire is to.....

  apply a COOLING AGENT – usually "water"
• Another cooling agent is a CHEMICAL FIRE RETARDANT such as the ones used in fire extinguishers
• Another method of diffusing heat a fire is to SCRAPE THE EMBERS from the fire source, such as wood embers on a burning building.
• the second element in the FT

  Fuel
• A fire needs a fuel source in order to .....

  B U R N
• fuel source can be anything FLAMMABLE 


  such as wood, paper, fabric, or chemicals
• Once the fuel element of the fire triangle is removed, the fire will go out.
• the final element in the fire triangle is

  OXYGEN
• A fireneeds oxygen to.....

  start and continue.
• SMALL FIRE = SMOTHER it with a non-flammable blanket, sand or dirt.
• A decrease in the concentration of oxygen....

  retards the combustion process
• LARGE FIRES = decreasing the amount of oxygen is NOT USUALLY an option because there is NO EFFECTIVE WAY way to make that happen in an EXTENDED AREA
• Learning about the fire triangle is a good way to

  understand the elements of fire and are essential

  components of firefighting education
• Fires and explosion aren’t necessarily the most common types of workplace accidents here in the Philippines
• Most Common Causes of Fire in the Philippines

  1. Dried leaves
  2. Faulty electrical wiring
  3. Faulty electrical equipment
  4. Unattended stoves and ovens
  5. Unattended candles
  6. Children playing with fire
  7. Flammable liquids
  8. Careless Smoking
• Dried leaves: dispose of died leaves, wood shavings, and other items that may easily catch fire
• Be on the look out for the following warning signs of FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING:

  • Lights DIM OR FLICKER
  • Have to DISCONNECT one gadget or appliance to plug in another
  • use TOO MANY EXTENSION cords
  • Your FUSES BLOW or your CIRCUIT BREAK TRIP frequently
• Faulty electrical equipment that you should NEVER allow in your home:

  • Electrical cords with LOOSE OR FRAYED cords/plugs
  • OUTLETS or electrical cords OVERLOAD with plugs
  • Electrical wires running UNDER RUGS or heavy furniture
  • DIY electrical PROJECTS
  • Appliances and gadgets that are PLUNGED in even when NOT IN USE
• To prevent kitchen fires, always keep combustible like oven mitts, paper towels and dish rags away from heat sources and PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR COOKING
• For a safe space, keep your candle on a sturdy holder on an even surface. Make sure that they are out of reach of children and pets and always blow them before leaving the room.
• Bored and curious kids might inadvertently set things on fire.
• Always store fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives and paints and other liquids that can ignite or explode in a COOL, VENTILATED area outside your home.
• • If someone in your home smokes, always use large and deep ashtrays.
• You should also check for cigarettes embers or butts that can cause furniture to burst into flames.