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Fire Triangle and Tetrahedron Explained

The document discusses the fire triangle/tetrahedron model which identifies the three/four necessary components for fire - heat, fuel, oxygen, and the optional chemical chain reaction. It describes different types of fuels and oxidizers that can support combustion. Various methods are outlined for extinguishing fires by removing or inhibiting one of these necessary components through cooling, starving, suffocating, or interfering with the chemical reaction. Different classes of fires and appropriate types of fire extinguishers to use for each are also identified.

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624 views14 pages

Fire Triangle and Tetrahedron Explained

The document discusses the fire triangle/tetrahedron model which identifies the three/four necessary components for fire - heat, fuel, oxygen, and the optional chemical chain reaction. It describes different types of fuels and oxidizers that can support combustion. Various methods are outlined for extinguishing fires by removing or inhibiting one of these necessary components through cooling, starving, suffocating, or interfering with the chemical reaction. Different classes of fires and appropriate types of fire extinguishers to use for each are also identified.

Uploaded by

sikatogus
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Fire Triangle/ Tetrahedron

Types of Fire/Fuel Oxidizers Fire Extinguishers

Fire Triangle
also called combustion triangle model for understanding the necessary

ingredients for fire


evolved into fire tetrahedron

Elements of the Fire Triangle


Activation Energy (Heat) to raise the material to

its ignition temperature


Fuel combustible solid , liquid or gas Oxidizer to sustain combustion

Fire Tetrahedron
with an additional component, chemical chain

reaction
includes the chemical chain reaction process,

redox (reduction-oxidation)
same concept applies in putting out fire as that of

with the fire triangle

Means of Extinguishing Fire


Heat Removal cooling the fire
water is used often which requires heat for phase

change from water to steam


scraping ember from a burning structure also

removes heat
turning off the electricity removes the ignition

source

Means of Extinguishing Fire


Fuel Separation starving the fire
can be done naturally or mechanically performed during wildfire suppression

Means of Extinguishing Fire


Oxidizer Removal suffocating/smothering the fire
water-based foams, dust and sand, or dry

chemicals can be used (ex. NaHCO3, KHCO3, (NH4)H2PO4)


carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can also be

used

Means of Extinguishing Fire


Chemical Chain Reaction Inhibition interference
process of applying extinguishing agents

Classifications of Fuels
Class A Solids: paper, wood, plastic, etc. Class B Flammable Liquids: paraffin, petrol, oil, etc. Class C Flammable Gases: propane, butane,

methane, etc.
Class D Metals: aluminum, magnesium, titanium,

etc.
Class E Electrical Apparatus Class F Cooking Oil and Fat

Types of Oxidizers
Oxygen (O2) Air (21% O2 + 79% N2) Air enriched with Oxygen (O2 greater than 21%) Nitrogen Oxides (N2O)

Types of Fire Extinguishers


Water (RED) for Class A, not suitable for Class

B
Foam (CREAM) for Class A and B Dry Powder (BLUE) for Class A, B, C, and D Carbon Dioxide (BLACK) for Class B and E

Types of Fire Extinguishers


Wet Chemical for Class F Metal Fires for Class D Halon (GREEN) illegal; stops fire by reacting to

the elements in the fire

Rules in Fighting Fires


Never fight fire if:
the type of fuel /fire is unknown; the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot it

started
your instincts tell you not to

Using a Fire Extinguisher (PASS)


Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the top handle or lever. Sweep from side to side until the fire is

completely out.

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