NWIZU CHIDUBEM OWEN

F/HD/24/3510003

BLD 315

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

HND1

FIRE, ITS CLASSES, AND FIRE

EXTINGUISHERS
Introduction to Fire
Fire is one of humanity's most important discoveries and remains a crucial element in
modern life. From providing warmth and enabling cooking to powering industrial
processes, fire has shaped human civilization. However, when uncontrolled, it becomes
one of nature's most destructive forces. Understanding fire - its nature, behavior, and
control methods - is essential for safety and effective fire management.

The Science of Fire

Fire is a rapid oxidation process that releases heat, light, and various reaction products.
Chemically, it's an exothermic reaction between a fuel and an oxidant (typically oxygen
in air). The process involves molecular breakdown of fuel and recombination with
oxygen to form new compounds (primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor), while
releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

The Fire Triangle

The fundamental concept in fire science is the Fire Triangle, which illustrates that three
elements must be present simultaneously for fire to occur:

1. Fuel: Any combustible material (solid, liquid, or gas)

2. Oxygen: Typically from air (approximately 21% oxygen)

3. Heat: Sufficient energy to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature

Detailed Classification of Fires

Fires are systematically classified based on their fuel source, which determines the
appropriate extinguishing methods. Understanding these classifications is crucial for fire
safety and effective firefighting.

Class A Fires: Ordinary Combustibles

Characteristics:

- Involve solid organic materials

- Typically leave ash residue

- Spread through direct flame contact or radiant heat

Common Materials:

- Wood and wood products

- Paper and cardboard

- Textiles and natural fibers

- Many plastics and rubber

Class A Fire Dynamics

These fires typically burn at temperatures between 600°C and 900°C. The rate of
combustion depends on factors like surface area, moisture content, and ventilation.

Extinguishing Methods:

- Water (cools below ignition temperature)

- Foam (excludes oxygen while cooling)

- Dry chemical (interrupts combustion chain reaction)

Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids and Gases

Characteristics:
- Involve liquids or liquefiable solids

- Can spread rapidly

- Often produce intense heat and black smoke

Common Materials:

- Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, kerosene)

- Alcohols and solvents

- Paints and varnishes

- Flammable gases (propane, butane)

Class B Fire Dynamics

These fires are particularly dangerous because:

1. The liquid itself doesn't burn - it's the vapor above the liquid that ignites

2. They can flash back if not properly extinguished

3. Many produce toxic fumes when burning

Extinguishing Methods:

- Foam (forms a vapor barrier)

- Carbon dioxide (displaces oxygen)

- Dry chemical powder (interrupts chain reaction)

(Insert diagram showing vapor ignition process in liquid fires)

Class C Fires: Electrical Equipment

Characteristics:
- Involve energized electrical equipment

- Risk of electrocution

- Can spread to other fuel sources

Common Scenarios:

- Overloaded circuits

- Faulty wiring

- Equipment malfunctions

- Arc flashes

Special Considerations:

- Never use water-based extinguishers

- Must use non-conductive agents

- Always attempt to de-energize equipment first if safe to do so

Extinguishing Methods:

- Carbon dioxide (non-conductive)

- Dry chemical (non-conductive formulations)

- Halon alternatives (where permitted)

(Insert safety checklist for electrical fires)

Class D Fires: Combustible Metals

Characteristics:
- Extremely high temperatures (often exceeding 2500°F)

- Can react violently with water

- Produce intense radiant heat

Common Metals:

- Alkali metals (sodium, potassium)

- Alkaline earth metals (magnesium, calcium)

- Transition metals (titanium, zirconium)

Special Hazards:

- Some metal fires can burn without oxygen

- Water application can cause explosions

- May require special containment strategies

Extinguishing Methods:

- Class D dry powder (specially formulated)

- Sand or dry cement (for small fires)

- Specialized techniques for different metals

(Insert comparison table of metal fire characteristics and suppression methods)

Class K Fires: Cooking Oils and Fats

Characteristics:
- Involve high-temperature cooking media

- Can auto-ignite at cooking temperatures

- Often involve re-ignition hazards

Common Scenarios:

- Deep fryer fires

- Grease buildup in kitchen vents

- Overheated cooking oils

Class K Fire Dynamics:

- Typical cooking oil ignition point: 340°C (645°F)

- Water application causes violent splattering

- Can spread rapidly through exhaust systems

Extinguishing Methods:

- Wet chemical systems (saponification)

- Class K extinguishers

- Commercial kitchen suppression systems

Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against small fires. Understanding their
types, operation, and limitations is essential for effective fire safety.

Water Extinguishers
 Mechanism:

- Cools burning material below ignition temperature

- Reduces heat in the fire triangle

 Types:

1. Water spray

2. Water with additives (wetting agents)

3. Water mist (fine droplets)

 Applications:

- Class A fires only

- Offices, schools, warehouses

 Limitations:

- Conducts electricity

- Can spread liquid fires

- Freezes in cold environments

Foam Extinguishers
 Mechanism:

- Forms a blanket over burning liquids

- Prevents vapor release

- Cools the fuel

 Types:

1. AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)

2. AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant)

3. Protein-based foams

 Applications:

- Class A and B fires

- Fuel storage areas

- Industrial facilities

 Limitations:

- Not for electrical fires

- Environmental concerns with some formulations

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguishers

 Mechanism:

- Displaces oxygen

- Cools through rapid expansion

- Leaves no residue
 Applications:

- Class B and C fires

- Computer rooms

- Laboratories

 Special Considerations :

- Risk of asphyxiation in confined spaces

- Limited range (3-8 feet)

- No cooling effect - re-ignition possible

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

 Types:

1. ABC (ammonium phosphate)

2. BC (sodium bicarbonate/potassium bicarbonate)

3. Specialty formulations

 Mechanism:

- Interrupts chemical chain reaction

- Creates a barrier between fuel and oxygen

 Advantages:
- Multi-purpose (ABC type)

- Effective on various fires

- Good reach (10-15 feet)

 Disadvantages:

- Obscures visibility

- Corrosive residue

- Requires cleanup

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

 Special Features:

- Designed specifically for commercial kitchens

- Creates a soapy blanket (saponification)

- Cools the burning oil

 Operation:

- Low-velocity application

- Special nozzle design

- Typically 6-12 gallon systems

 Maintenance Requirements:

- Regular inspection of seals

- Pressure checks

- Nozzle cleaning

Class D Extinguishers
Special Considerations:
- Specific to metal type

- Application techniques vary

- Often require special training

Common Agents:

- Sodium chloride based

- Graphite based

- Copper powder

Application Methods:

- Gentle application to avoid scattering

- Complete coverage needed

- May require reapplication

Fire Extinguisher Selection and Placement

Proper selection and placement of extinguishers is critical for effective fire protection.
The following criteria should be considered when selecting extinguishers;

1. Fire Risks Present (determine classes needed)

2. Size and Type of Area (small office vs. industrial plant)

3. Potential Hazards (electrical, chemical, etc.)

4. User Capabilities (physical ability to operate)

5. Environmental Conditions (temperature extremes)

Placement Guidelines

- Accessibility: No more than 50-75 feet travel distance

- Visibility: Clearly marked locations

- Protection: From physical damage and weather

- Height: Mounting 3.5 to 5 feet above floor

- Quantity: Based on hazard level and area size

Proper Use of Fire Extinguishers

Effective fire extinguisher use requires knowledge and practice.

The PASS Technique

1. PULL the pin (breaks tamper seal)

2. AIM at base of fire (not flames)

3. SQUEEZE handle (releases agent)

4. SWEEP side to side (covers entire area)

Decision to Fight a Fire

Before attempting to extinguish a fire, consider:

1. Size: Is it small and contained?

2. Evacuation: Is escape route clear?

3. *Equipment*: Proper extinguisher available?

4. Training: Do you know how to use it?

5. Conditions: Is environment safe to remain?

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance ensures extinguishers will function when needed. The following
checklist should be followed during inspection and maintenance;
- Verify location accessibility

- Check pressure gauge (in green zone)

- Examine for physical damage

- Confirm tamper seal intact

- Check for nozzle obstructions

Professional Servicing
- Annual maintenance required

- Hydrostatic testing (every 5-12 years)

- Recharging after use

- Specialized maintenance for certain types

Advanced Fire Protection System

Beyond portable extinguishers, buildings often have fixed systems which includes the
following;

Sprinkler Systems
- Wet pipe vs. dry pipe

- Design criteria

- Activation temperatures

Special Hazard Systems

- Clean agent systems

- Foam deluge systems