What is Fire?

A Definition

Fire can be defined as “a process of oxidisation that releases various intensities of energy in the form of light and heat, often with a sub-product of smoke and ash.” Fire can be used to describe the combustion of fuel yet fire can also burn in a much violent and destructive fashion, and fire can get out of control very quickly. Outbreaks can occur in almost any terrestrial environment, from urban buildings to mature forests. Fire risk management and prevention is crucial in controlling and reducing the potential disaster resulting from a fire outbreak.

Fire and the Human Race

Fire has been around since the creation of the earth, in some form or other. It is a natural element existing alongside earth, air and water. Fire is therefore incredibly useful for life, in fact it is a basic necessity. The discovery of creating fire was one of humankind’s critical advances. Fire could be used as protection from dangerous wild animals, to cook food, as well as enabling control over a source of light and warmth. But like water and many other resources, the misuse or carelessness with regards to fire leads to not just economic and material losses but also injuries and fatalities. Carbon Monoxide poisoning from toxic smoke fumes as a result of fire combustion causes the majority of fire fatalities. Victims tend to be older and are more vulnerable to carbon monoxide gas. In the industralized world, North America holds the distinction of the highest fire fatality rate per capita.

Types of Fire

A Flammable solids such as wood, cloth, rubber, paper, and some types of plastics.

B Flammable liquids or liquifiable solids such as petrol/gasoline, oil, paint, some waxes & plastics. Not cooking fats or oils

C Flammable gases, such as natural gas, hydrogen, propane, butane

D Combustible metals, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium

E Materials found in fires, but with the introduction of an electrical appliances, wiring, or other electrically energized objects in the vicinity of the fire, with a resultant electrical shock risk if a conductive agent is used to control the fire

F Cooking fats and oils. The high temperature of the oils when on fire far exceeds that of other flammable liquids making normal extinguishing agents ineffective.