Basic Fire Safety Knowledge: What Everyone Should Know to Prevent Fires | SCHAKE

Basic Knowledge of Fire: Causes, Fire Classes, and Fire Prevention
Fire is the result of a combustion reaction that occurs when the necessary elements are present. This reaction produces flames, heat, and smoke. If a fire is not controlled in its early stages, it can cause serious damage to lives, property, and the environment.

How Does a Fire Start?
A fire requires three essential elements, commonly known as the Fire Triangle:

1.Fuel
Fuel is any material capable of burning, such as:
-Wood
-Paper
-Fabric
-Plastic
-Oil
-Gas

2.Heat
Heat provides the energy needed to ignite fuel. Common heat sources include:
-Sparks
-Open flames
-Welding operations
-Electrical short circuits
-Hot surfaces

3.Oxygen
Oxygen, which makes up approximately 21% of the Earth's atmosphere, supports the combustion process.

Removing any one of these three elements will extinguish the fire.

Fire Tetrahedron
Modern fire science introduces a fourth element known as the Chemical Chain Reaction, forming the Fire Tetrahedron.

In addition to fuel, heat, and oxygen, this chemical reaction sustains the combustion process. Some fire extinguishers, such as Dry Chemical extinguishers, interrupt this chain reaction, allowing the fire to be extinguished more quickly and effectively.

Classes of Fire
Class A
Fires involving ordinary combustible materials.

Examples
-Wood
-Paper
-Cloth
-Rubber
-Plastic

Suitable Fire Extinguishers
-Water
-Foam
-ABC Dry Chemical

Class B
Fires involving flammable liquids.

Examples
-Gasoline
-Diesel fuel
-Paint
-Thinner
-Alcohol

Suitable Fire Extinguishers
-Foam
-Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
-BC or ABC Dry Chemical

Class C
Fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Examples
-Electrical control panels
-Electric motors
-Industrial machinery
-Computers
-Electrical circuit boards

Suitable Fire Extinguishers
-Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
-Dry Chemical
-Clean Agent

Warning: Never use water on energized electrical fires, as it may result in electric shock.

Class D
Fires involving combustible metals.

Examples
-Magnesium
-Sodium
-Potassium
-Titanium

Suitable Fire Extinguisher
-Class D Dry Powder Extinguisher

Class K (or Class F)
Fires involving cooking oils and fats.

Examples
-Deep-frying oil
-Vegetable oil
-Animal fats

Suitable Fire Extinguisher
-Wet Chemical

Warning: Never pour water onto burning cooking oil, as it can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire rapidly.

Common Causes of Fire
-Electrical short circuits
-Overloaded electrical outlets or circuits
-Gas leaks
-Welding and cutting operations
-Smoking in restricted areas
-Improper storage of flammable chemicals
-Careless handling of open flames

Fire Prevention Tips
-Inspect electrical systems regularly.
-Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
-Store flammable substances properly in approved containers.
-Install sufficient fire extinguishers in accessible locations.
-Install smoke detectors where appropriate.
-Conduct regular fire drills and fire extinguisher training.
-Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.

PASS Method for Using a Fire Extinguisher
When dealing with a small, controllable fire, remember the PASS technique:

P – Pull: Pull the safety pin.
A – Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
S – Sweep: Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until it is completely extinguished.

What to Do During a Fire Emergency
-Stay calm and assess the situation.
-Alert people nearby immediately.
-Call the fire department or your local emergency number.
-If the fire is small and safe to approach, use the appropriate fire extinguisher.
-If the fire spreads rapidly, evacuate immediately using the designated emergency exit. Never use elevators during a fire.
-If smoke is present, stay low to the ground or crawl, and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to reduce smoke inhalation.

Conclusion
Understanding how fires start, recognizing different fire classes, and knowing how to select and use the correct fire extinguisher are fundamental aspects of fire safety. Whether at home, in offices, or in industrial facilities, proper preparation, regular equipment maintenance, and ongoing fire safety training can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries, property damage, and loss of life.