Learning Objectives

1.Recognize elements of the fire triangle in different situations;

2. Analyze the different causes of fires;

 Definition of Terms

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of

combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.

Hazard is any agent that can cause harm or damage to humans, property, or the
environment.

Potential- having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the
future

Combustion- the process of burning something, rapid chemical combination of a

substance with oxygen, involving the production of heat and light.
 Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes of
sparks, hot objects and chemicals that are potential for
ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large and
uncontrolled. Fire hazards also include all types of
potential threats to fire prevention practices, fire fighting,
built-in fire safety systems and situations that restrict the
escape of people from an affected building or area in the
event of a fire. Fire hazards pose threats to life and
property. It is, therefore, the prime object of safety systems
to detect, remove, or reduce the risk of fire threatened by
these potential hazards.
The following fire hazards are common at home, in public places , transports and workplaces:
 All types of flames used for any work
 Electric wires, higher loads, loose connections and old electrical equipment
 All cooking and heat generating appliances
 All works and situations where fire is essential such us welding, cutting metal casting etc.
 Improper storage of tools, equipment and items during and at the end of the day’s work
 Smoking and personal lighters and matches
 Fireworks, pyro-techniques, ammunitions and explosives
 Improper and unauthorized storage of flammable and hazardous materials and chemicals
especially the flammable ones
 Insufficient capacity and numbers of emergency exits and stairs
 Hindrance to sight or reach fire fighting equipment, markings and alarm systems
 Insufficient numbers and types of fire extinguishers
 Absence of fire detection and alarm system
 Violation of fire building and fire codes
Elements of the Fire Triangle
The fire triangle or combustion triangle is a simple model for understanding the necessary
ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel
and an oxidizing agent, (usually oxygen). A fire naturally occurs when the elements are present and
combined in the right mixture, meaning that fire is actually an event rather than a thing. A fire can be
prevented or extinguished by removing any one of the elements in the fire triangle. For example,
covering a fire with a fire blanket removes the oxygen part of the triangle and can extinguish a fire.

Take a look at the diagram below, called the “Fire Triangle”:

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.
Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths. Heating equipment is the
second most common cause of home fire fatalities.
Kitchen Stoves
 When left unattended
 Electric cords, curtains , tea towels and oven cloths are so close to the stove top
 When long flowing sleeves are contacting gas flames

Faulty Wiring
 If installation was not done by qualified electrician
 Capacity overload
 If safety switches and correct fuses were not installed

Smoking in Bed
 Smoking in bed can cause fire- tiny embers can smolder unnoticed and burst into flame much
later.

Lighting
 Poor light fittings can cause heat build up
 Lampshades are so close to light globes and lamp bases that can be knocked over easily
 Recessed down lights are not properly insulated from wood panelling or ceiling timbers
Flammable Liquids
 When flammable liquids such as petro , kerosene, methylated spirits are not stored properly.
Storage should be away from heat.
 Unsafe handling and use of flammable liquids is a potential fire hazard

Candles
 When candles are left unattended. Do not sleep with a burning candle.
 When curtains and other flammable items are close to burning candles

Children
 When children are playing with fire. Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of
small children
 Children are not well oriented about fire hazards and fire safety