How Do We Control Fire?

key notes :

Fire Triangle

  • Fuel: The material that burns.
  • Oxygen: The element that supports combustion.
  • Heat: The energy needed to start and maintain the fire.
  • To control fire, one of these elements must be removed.

Methods of Controlling Fire

  • Removing Fuel: Remove or stop the supply of material that is burning (e.g., clearing combustibles).
  • Reducing Oxygen: Use materials like fire blankets, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers to reduce the oxygen around the fire.
  • Cooling the Fire: Apply water to cool the fire and reduce the heat, thereby slowing down or stopping the combustion process.

Fire Extinguishers

  • Water: Best for ordinary combustibles like wood or paper.
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Removes oxygen and is used for electrical fires or flammable liquids.
  • Foam: Forms a blanket over the fire to cut off oxygen.
  • Dry Powder: Used for specific types of fires, like metal or chemical fires, as it suppresses chemical reactions.

Fire Prevention

  • Fire Safety Measures: Ensure proper electrical wiring, gas connections, and use of fire alarms.
  • Fire Breaks: In large-scale fires (e.g., forest fires), fire breaks (areas cleared of vegetation) can be used to stop the spread of the fire.

Role of Firefighters

  • Firefighters use specialized equipment like hoses, ladders, and protective gear to combat fires.
  • They are trained to assess the situation and choose the correct method of control depending on the fire type and environment.

Types of Fires and Control Methods

  • Class A Fires: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper) – Controlled by water or foam.
  • Class B Fires: Flammable liquids (oil, gasoline) – Controlled by CO2 or foam.
  • Class C Fires: Electrical fires – Controlled by CO2 or dry powder.
  • Class D Fires: Combustible metals – Controlled by dry powder or specialized extinguishing agents.

Fire Hazards

  • Uncontrolled Fires: Fires that spread rapidly due to high winds, dry conditions, or inadequate firebreaks.
  • Toxic Smoke: Fires produce smoke that contains harmful gases, which is dangerous to breathe. This is why controlling and containing a fire is important for safety.

Fire Safety Tips

  • Always ensure that there are fire exits and extinguishers in homes and buildings.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets and circuits.
  • Store flammable liquids safely away from heat sources.
  • Practice fire drills and educate everyone about fire safety measures.

Let’s practice!