DEFINITION

Basically fire is the result of a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen destroying it from by the heat generated in the reaction.

NATURE OF FIRE

Fire is the rapid oxidation and reduction of material in the chemical process of combustion releasing heat,light, and various reaction products.

CAUSES OF FIRE

Fire is started in many ways, the more common are :

· Deliberated
· Carelessness with lighted matches and cigarettes
· Smoking in prohibited areas
· Loss of control, firing of rubbish
· Faulty electrical wiring and fitting
· Incorrect use of electrical circuits and appliances

FIRE TRIANGLE

There are 3 factors or support combustion

Fuel

Which may by in the form of solid, liquid, or gas

Oxygen

Which exist in the air (21%)

HEAT

Minimum temperature known as ignition

SOURCE OF IGNITION

FOLLOWING ARE THE POSSIBLE SOURCE OF IGNITION TO START A FIRE:

· Electrical/over heating
· Smoking materials
· Hot work i.e . welding, burning etc
· Friction
· Lightning
· Improper storage
· Lack of inspection

TRANSMISSION OF FIRE

There are four methods by which heat can be transmitted:

1. CONDUCTION:

The movement of heat thorough the solid material(usually solid)

2. CONVECTION

The movement of hot gases up thorough the air (this is the principal causes for the spread of fire)

3. RADIATION

Transfer of heat as invisible waves through the air (the air of gas is not heated but solid of liquid in contact with the heat

4. DIRECT BURNING

Combustible material in contact with the naked flame

EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE

STARVATION :

END THE MATERIAL

SMOTHERING :

END THE OXYGEN

COOLING :

WATER FOAM

COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT METHODS

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

It is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires often in an emergency situation

A fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out small fire or controlling it until the fire fighter arrives

YOU SHOULD KNOW!

A fire extinguisher control small fire from becoming a big one, but you must not endanger yourself by typing to

· Fight a fire with the wrong insufficient equipment
· Keep in mind that portable extinguishers are not design for fighting large or spreading fires
· Extinguishers are only useful under the right condition

HOW TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

AS FOR THE PERSON INTENDING TO USE THE EXTINGUISHER, HE/SHE SHOULD

KNOW HOW TO USE THE EXTINGUISHER QUICKLY, WITHOUT TAKING TIME TO READ DIRECTIONS DURING AN EMERGENCY
BE STRONG ENOUGH TO LIFT AND OPERATE THE EXTINGUISHER
KEEP IT IN YOUR MIND THAT YOUR EXTINGUISHER MUST FIT THE TYPE OF FIRE
TO OPERATE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER