Just like accidents, fire kills! It is a large scale killer and it is the greatest single destroyer of properties. Fire is a disaster which can wipe out multitude of lives, whole business operation, with a single strike in just a matter of minutes. Fire is a chemical reaction between a flammable or combustible material and oxygen. It is frequently referred to as a “rapid oxidation with the evolution of light and heat”.
There are three major components of fire as is often called the “Fire Triangle”. [1]Fuel such as paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical equipments, etc. Fuel can also be in a form of gases (hydrogen, acetylene, methane, etc). Liquids that are flammable and combustible or other solids in the form of powders and dust. Also, other forms of fuels are called “reactive materials” which have ability to ignite or explode spontaneously when they are mixed with other substances or are subjected to conditions like high temperature, extreme pressure or mechanical shock.[2] Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Heat is also often referred to as the ignition source. [3] Oxidize air, continuous supply of oxygen from air promotes combustion. When the oxygen content of air drops below 16%, the fire will normally go out for lack of oxygen. However, in an atmosphere of pure oxygen or even oxygen-enriched air will produce fires of great intensity.
If any one of this is missing, a fire cannot continue. Therefore, the best prevention is based on eliminating or minimizing one of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.
When a fire broke-out, it can be extinguish by either one of this methods: [1] Starving. Removal of fuel or stoppage of the supply of fuel to a point where there is nothing to oxidize (for example, shutting-off the valve).[2] Cooling. Reducing the heat of the burning substance to a point below the ignition temperature (examples includes water, A-FFF or CO2).[3] Smothering or Blanketing. Keeping air (hence, oxygen) from the burning substance to a point where combustion ceases (examples include CO2 , dry chemical, steam and A-FFF).[4] Breaking. Breaking or interrupting the chain reaction of combustion (BCF or Halons are a good examples of this).
A gas leak is one of the major sources of fires in residential and commercial areas. The immediate danger of a leaking utility gas is an explosion followed by fire. Therefore, in any event that a gas leak is detected, the following precaution should be observed. Turn off the gas supply in the main valve to stop the leak. Do not switch on or put off any electrical switches for the light or appliances or strike a match. Any spark from this could cause explosion. Next is to open all doors & windows and manually fan out the gas. Other fire hazards include overloaded electrical circuits, candles, defective electrical equipment, improper size and type light bulbs in lighting, and smoking.
If you get caught in a fire in your home or in a building, this safety tips would help you survive it. As much as possible, don’t get trapped. Know where the fire is and run opposite the direction of the fire. Look for the most convenient fire exit to run into. Cover your mouth and nose. If possible a damp cloth would be the best for this purpose. Keep low to the floor. Smoke escaping from a fire tends to go in an upward direction. Several fire casualties are found in their bathrooms which is not a very good idea. So never hide from any part of your house or building during a fire. If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll until fire is gone. And lastly, be determined to survive. Determination helps pumping that adrenalin in order to make a great fire escape.
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