Dry Chemical

Vaporizing Liquids
CLASS D FIRES- by using special extinguishing marked specifically for metals. GE
type, meth LX, Lith X, Meth L, Kyl, dry sand and dry talc can put out class D fires.
CLASS E FIRES- any combination of the above methods.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER- it is a mechanical device, usually made of metal containing
chemicals, fluids or gases for stopping fires, the means for application of its contents
for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fire) before its propagates, and
is capable of being readily moved from place to place.
A FIRE EXTINGUISHER is a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
1. Water Fire Extinguisher- extinguisher filled with water use to fight class A and
Class B fires except class C fires.
2. Liquefied Fire Extinguisher- those extinguishers that contain Carbon
Monoxide Gas use to fight Class A, B and C fires.
3. Dry Chemical Extinguisher- those that contains chemical powder intended to
fight all classes of fires.
Markings Required on fire extinguishers:
(Rule 37 Sec. 106 of PD 1185)
All fire extinguishers manufactured or sold in the Philippines must be
labeled or marked to show at least the following:
1. Date of original filing
2. Chemical Contents
3. Type of Extinguishers
4. Operating Instruction and Safe Procedure in usage
5. Name and address of the manufacture
6. Name and address of the dealer
Prohibited types of fire extinguishers:
(Rule 37 Sec. 106 of PD 1185)
The following are declared prohibited acts concerning the use of fire
extinguishers:
1. Removal of inspection tags attached to fire extinguishers
2. Refilling a discharged extinguisher with an extinguishing agent other than
what the unit was designed to contain
3. Selling fire extinguishers not appropriate to the hazards
4. Selling fire extinguishers prohibited by Rule 37, Section 104
5. Selling defective or substandard extinguishers
6. Using/installing two or more thermatic special hazard vaporizing liquid units
in rooms with volume greater than the nominal capability of one unit.
7. Installing pressure gauges in fire extinguishers which do not indicate the
actual pressure of the interior of vessel such as, but not limited to, use of
uncalibrated gauges, not providing or blocking the connection between the
gauge and the interior, or fixing the indicator/needle to indicate a certain
pressure.

GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURE IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT:

P- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being
pressed. Press the plastic or thin wire inspection band.
P- Point the nozzle or outlet towards the fire. Some hose assemblies are dipped to
the extinguisher body. Release it and then point at the base of the fire.
S- Sweep the nozzle sideways at the base of the flame to disperse the extinguishing
agent.
After the fire is out, probe for remaining smoldering hot spots or possible
reflash of flammable liquids. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the burned
area.
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

21
 1. FOAM EXTINGUISHER- contains sodium bicarbonate and a foam stabilizing
agent in a larger compartment and a solution of aluminum sulfate in an inner
cylinder; reaction between the two solution from a stabilized foam of carbon
dioxide bubbles.
2. SODA-ACID FIRE EXTINGUISHER- Oldest type; filled with sodium
bicarbonate mixed with water; a small bottle of sulfuric acid is suspended
inside (near the top) in such a way that when the extinguisher is turned-up-
side-down, the acid mixes with sodium bicarbonate; carbon dioxide is formed
by the reaction which results to the building of pressure inside the
extinguisher; this pressure forces the water solution out from the container the
hose.
3. VAPORIZING LIQUID EXTINGUISHER- Contains non-conducting liquid,
generalized carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromethane; operation is by
manual pumping or using the stored pressure; the stream of liquid that is
expelled is vaporized by the heat of the fire and forms a smothering blanket
-Usually used in fires involving flammable liquids or live electrical equipment.
4. CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER- effective against burning liquids
and fires in live electrical equipment; used mainly to put out Class C fires.
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS (GENERAL)
WATER
Cooling is the most common method of fire extinguishment, and water is the
most effective cooling agent. Fortunately, water usually available in large
quantities and has a greatest capacity for heat absorption. Therefore, most
burning substances can be cooled below their ignition points by application
of water.
Water may be applied as a solid steam, in the form of a high velocity of fog, or
in the form of a low velocity of water fog. Generally, fog is preferred to the
solid steam except when it is necessary to reach a fire that is some distance
away or when the penetrating power of the solid stream is required.
Fog is preferable because a given amount of water can be absorb more heat
when it is in the form of fog that it can when it is in the form of a solid stream.
Additional advantage of fog is that it reduces the amount of water that must be
used, also, in addition to cooling the fire, fire tends to smother the fire by
displacing oxygen.
Because of the cooling capacity of the finely water particles, fog can be used
successfully on oil fires as well as o Class A fires. If fog is used on an oil fire, it
is important to remember that there is a great danger of reflash until the entire
surface of the oil has been cooled below the flash point.
Water is not recommended as an extinguishing agent for electrical fires
except as a last resort. When water is properly broken up into spray (fog) by
the nozzles, the fog does not conduct electricity. But if the nozzle is
accidentally to electrical equipment, there is a great danger of electric shock.
Moreover, water cannot be used for Class D fires, because water coming in
contact with burning metals produces hydrogen gas. The heat given off by the
fire ignites the hydrogen, causing an explosion. However, low velocity fog
can be used with little danger.
Water fog affords considerable protection to the investigator and fire fighter
by forming a screen of water droplets between the fire and the water
personnel. The fog screen gives protection against the intense heat of the fire.
Water fog also tends to dilute or absorb various vapors and to wash fumes and
smoke from the atmosphere.
FOAM
Is a thick, viscous, light, and stable material that floats on almost any liquid,
including water. It is non-toxic and does not damage paint on surfaces. The air
or chemical foam consists of very small bubbles of air mixed into water which

22
 has a small amount of foam-foaming liquid added to it by a mechanical foam-
foaming equipment.
Foam is a highly effective extinguishing agent for something large fires,
particularly those in oil, jet fuel, and gasoline. After a fire has been
extinguished, the foam blanket continues to seal off vapor from the surface.
Foam is sufficiently fluid to flow over, around, and under, obstructions to enter
otherwise inaccessible spaces.
LIGHT WATER OR AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM (AFFF)
It is a new synthetic, film-foaming foam liquid. This new agent is replacing the
present commonly used foam. The unique action of light water stems from its
ability to make a light-water film float on flammable fluids.
As foam is applied over the flammable liquid surface, an aqueous solution
drains from the foam bubbles and floats out over the surface to provide a
vapor seal. This aqueous film-foaming action enhances extinguishment and
prevents reflash, even when the film from the blanket is ruptured.
DRY CHEMICALS
Dry chemical powders extinguish a fire by a rather complicated chemical
mechanism. They do not smother the fire and they do not cool it. Instead, they
interrupt the chemical reaction that is fire by suspending fine particles in the
fire. In effect, the dry chemicals put a temporary screen between the heat,
oxygen, and fuel and maintain this screen just enough for the fire to be
extinguished.
Several types of chemicals have been used as a fire extinguishing agents. One
of the most important agents of this kind at present is potassium bicarbonate,
also known as Purple-K-Powder or PKP. It is very effective against Class B and
Class C fires. However, it is both corrosive and abrasive and should be used
on Class C fire only in emergencies.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
It is dry, non-corrosive gas that is inert when in contact with most substances.
It does not damage machineries or equipment. Since it is non-conductor of
electricity, it can safely be used in fighting fires that might present electric
shock hazard.
However, the frost that collects on the horn on the CO2 cylinder is a conductor
of electricity. Therefore, rubber gloves should be worn when using CO2 to
extinguish electrical fires.
CO2 extinguish fires by smothering that is, by reducing the amount of
oxygen available for combustion. This smothering action is temporary. It must
be remembered that the fire can quickly rekindle if oxygen is again admitted
to hot embers also, CO2 is dangerous because it does not support life.
Asphyxiation can result from breathing carbon dioxide

BROMOCHLORODIFOUROMETHANE (BCF-HALON 1211)

One of the modern and effective extinguishing agent available for general risk. BCF
is a vaporizing liquid which will interrupt chemically the chain reaction taking place
in the flames.
It has the ability to minimize the possibility to reflash after the fire has been
extinguished. A colorless, non-corrosive liquefied gas leaves n o messy residue.
Highly recommended for industrial factory, home, computers and electronic
company, motor vehicles, etc.
EFFECTS OF FIRE-When a substance burns, a number of chemical reactions occur.
These reactions result in the production of flame, heat, smoke, gases and
combustion products. All of these effects of fire are vitally important to firefighters
and investigators, who must be always prepared to protect himself against them.
FOUR PRUDUCTS OF COMBUSTION

23
1. Heat- the product of combustion responsible for the spread of fire. Injuries caused
by heat are:
a. dehydration
b. heat exhaustion
c. injury to the respiratory tract
d. burn
2. Flame- the luminous body of a burning gas. When burning gas is mixed with
proper amount of oxygen, the flame becomes hotter and less lominous. This loss of
luminousity is because of a more complete combustion of the carbon.
3. Fire Gases- in most fires, it consist of mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen and finely devided particles (soot).
4. Smoke- Some materials gives off more smoke than others.
PROTECTION FROM FLAME, HEAT, AND SMOKE:
In order to avoid injury or loss of life, protective outfit must be worn. Before
entering a space where a fire exists, pant legs should be tucked into socks, collar
should be buttoned. One should wear asbestos gloves, a helmet, a head lamp, an
oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA).
Theflame and the heat from a fire are intense, but proper dress will help to prevent
burns. The smoke will make it hard to see and hard to breathe, but the OBA and
head lamp will help the person to cope with those problems.
INSUFFICIENT OXYGEN
Fire consumes an enormous amount of oxygen. So, when a fire occurs in a closed
space, very little oxygen is left for men to breathe.
The amount of oxygen normally present in the air is 21 percent and human beings
can breathe and work best.
When there is only 17 percent oxygen in the atmosphere, people breath a little
faster and deeper.
At 15 percent oxygen, a person is likely to become dizzy, having a buzzing in his
ears, have a rapid heartbeat, and headache. At this amount of oxygen or less, it will
not support combustion.
When the oxygen content falls to 9 percent, unconsciousness may occur.
When the oxygen content is 7 percent or less, DEATH is likely to occur.
COMBUSTION GASES- Some of the gases produced by fire are toxic(poisonous)
and others are dangerous I nother ways, even though they are not toxic.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Produced when fire occurs and there is not enough oxygen for the complete
combustion of all the carbon in the burning material.
it has the chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating
gas.
It is deadly even small concentration.
1.28 percent concentration of CO in the air can cause unconsciousness after two or
three breathes and will probably die in 1 to 3 minutes.
In the amount of 12.5 to 74 percent by volume, mixed with air, will set off a violnet
explosion when exposed to a spark or flame.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)
It is a colorless gas.
In low concentration, it smells like rotten eggs.
It is generated in some fires, it also occurs as the result of the rotting of foods,
cloth, leather, and other organic materials.
A percentage of 4.3 to 46 in the air is violently explosive in the presence of flame.
It is extremely poisonous if brethed, even in concentration as low as 0.01 percent.
Acute poisoning results from breathing hydrogen sulfide in larger concentration.
Rapid unconsciousness, cessation of breathing and death can occur in a very few
minutes from breathing an atmosphere that contain from 0.07 to 0.10 percent H2S.

24
CARBON DIOXIDE(CO2)
It is a colorless, and odorless gas that is formed by the complete combustion of the
carbon in burning
Materials.
CO2 is not poisonous, the main danger is it does not provide oxygen to breathe,
and ASPHYXIATION may result.
The danger is greatly increased because CO2 is colorless and odorless, does not
give any warning of its presence even when it is present in dangerous amount.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
A. Usual Protective Clothing
1. boots
2. helmet
3. gloves
4. rain gear
B. Other protective equipment or instrument that may be worn as situation demands.
1. Oxygen Breathing Apparatus(OBA)- an entirely self-contained unit fesigned to
protect the weare in an atmosphere that lacks oxygen or that contains harmful gases,
vapors, smokes or dust. It is entirely independent of any outside air. The user
breathes in a closed system in which oxygen is supplied by chemicals in a canister
which also purifies exhaled air and bag which store a ready sources of oxygen.
2. Air-line Masks- It is not used in fighting fires, however, it may be used to enter
smoke filled spaces, for the rescue of personnel. A 25-foot length of hose is provided
for connection between the demand flow regulator and an outside supply of oxygen.
3. Tending Lines- Used as a precautionary measures to facilitate the rescue of an
overcome investigator or firefighter who is wearing an OBA, air-line mask, or similar
equipment. The line is 50-foot nylon covered steel wire for use with the OBA or air-
line mask. A stout hook with a snap catch is provided at each end. It is also maximum
pliability and slides freely around obstructions. A system of pull signals is utilized
between the OBA wearer and tender for communication.
4. Proximity Fire Fighting Suit. The suit provides the wearer with thermal
protection while approaching and operating close to large fires. It will allow to entry
to overheated spaces to bring fires under control, and the effecting of rescue, so
with the rapid investigation after a fire is under control. The approach concept of the
proximity fire fighting suit precludes the use of the suit for fire entry purposes. This
use, does not contemplate the necessity for the wearer to move to the flames, or
through flaming and burning liquid fuel.
The suit consists of:
one-piece coverall
gloves
a hood provides covering over the OBA
boots- made of rubber
The material used is asbestos, cotton, aluminized on the outside for reflective
purposes. The suit also resists the penetration of liquids.

25
C. Atmospheric Testing Devices
All closed or poorly ventilated spaces(and particularly those in which a fire
has just occur) are dangerous because the atmosphere may lack oxygen, may
contain poisonous gases, or may present fire and explosive hazards. Before entry of
personnel is permitted, the space must be tested with one or both of the following
equipment:
1. Combustible Gas Indicator. This is made by several manufacturers. Although
quickly, safely, and accurately detect all combustible gases or vapors associated
with fuel oils< alcohol, gasoline, hydrogen, acetylene, in mixture with air or oxygen,
etc. The indicator is sensitive in detecting small quantities of these gases and vapors
up to the lower explosive range. The indicator however, does not identify the
explosive or combustible gases that are present. It merely indicate their presence in
a certain proportion.
2. Flame Safety Lamp. It is intended solely for the detection of oxygen deficiency
in the atmosphere. The lamp also detects the presence of flammable vapors, but its
intentional use for this purpose is very dangerous particularly in an atmosphere that
may contain acetylene or hydrogen.
Under normal condition, the flame looks like an ordinary flame. If the oxygen
in the air becomes lower than the normal, the flame will go dim. If the oxygen
becomes less than 16 percent by volume, the flame of the lamp is extinguished.
The lamp should not be used until after tests with the combustible gas
indicator have indicated that the space does not contain flammable or explosive
vapors or gases.
If the lamp is placed in an atmosphere containing flammable or explosive
gases, some of the gases in the side of the lamp nearest the flame will burn, thus
causing an increased in the length of the flame.
D. forcible Entry Tools
In order to do an effective job extinguishing the fire, one must be able to get
at the fire. If the normal means of access are blocked, forcible entry tools may be
needed to get in and fight the fire.
1. Most Commonly Used.
a. sledge hammer
b. fire ax
c. crowbar

26
d. wrecking bar
e. claw tool, etc.
2. Hacksaw. To use properly, mount the blade with the teeth pointed away from the
handle. Tighten the blade until it hums when plucked. Use long, steady strokes,
about 40 to 50 per minute. Apply pressure on the forward stroke, release the
pressure on the return stroke.
3. Boltcutter. This can be use to cut mild steel stock up to half an inch in diameter.
Do not twist the boltcutter when using them as they may break the jaws or blades. In
an emergency that requires cutting electrical cables, make sure that the cables have
been de-energized.
4. Oxyacetylene Cutting Outfit. The portable pack-type may be used to rescue
workers on metal plating or metal obstructions that would hinder rescue workers or
fire fighters. The outfit consists of two cylinder (oxygen and acetylene), regulator,
hoses, torch, and tip.
E. Fire ladders
Ladder a device with rungs to climb on: a portable piece of equipment with rungs
attached to sides made of metal, wood, or rope, used for climbing up or down.
Fire engine ( a.k.a. ladder truck) a fire engine equipped with extension ladders
and hooked poles
Types of ladder:
1. Roof ladder
2. Folding ladder
3. Combination ladder
4. Straight ladder
5. Extension ladder
6. Two-section fire ladder
Part of a Two-section fire ladder with tormenter poles:
1. Top
2. Ridge the upper horizontal step
3. Fly upper swinging portion
4. Beam rail
5. Truss horizontal steps/braces
6. Tormenter pole movable panel
7. Bed the part that serves as foundation
8. Tugger strap
9. Pulley
10. Lock
11. Anchor
12. Halyard rope used to raise or lower something, for example, a sail or flag
13. Truss blocks support or strengthen a elevated structure with a network of
beams and bars
14. Spur support
15. Heel bottom end
16. Hell plate

27
28
 PART FIVE

FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS (FIRE SUPPRESSION ACTIVITIES)

FIRE PREVENTION- Some Fire Prevention Rules to be followed or observed,

practiced, checked and inspected as a means of preventing fires:

RULE 1: Learn to look at everything with an eye for possible fire hazards. Develop a
special kind of alertness for situations or actions that could conceivably lead to fire.

RULE 2: Insist on proper storage and good housekeeping procedures. Report

violations to proper authority.

RULE 3: Maintain firefighting equipment in a state of maximum readiness. While that

wont prevent a fire from starting, it is the best possible means of preventing the
spread of fire.

RULE 4: Make sure that everybody are trained to be alert for fire hazards, as well as
being trained in basic firefighting.
RULE 5: Keep up with new firefighting equipment and techniques. It is everybodys
responsibility to keep abreast of new development in fire prevention.

PROHIBITED ACTS OF PD 1185 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

(in connection with fire protection and fire prevention):

Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or access to building clearly marked for fire
safely purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of
stairways, corridors, vestibules, balconies, or bridges leading to a stair way or exit
of any kind, or tolerating or allowing said violations;

29
Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components and yards
which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment;

Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the Fire Service, or of

duly organized and authorized fire brigades;

Obstructing designated fire lanes or access fire hydrants;

Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie

houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except
in other assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient
to provide safe exits;

Locking fire exits during periods when people inside the building;

Prevention or obstruction of the automotive closure of fire doors or smoke partitions

or dampers;

Use of fire protective or fire fighting equipment of the Fire Service other than for fire
fighting except in other emergencies when their use are justified;

Giving false or malicious alarms;

Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by the Fire Service, or throwing

of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire;

Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without

appropriate safety measures;

Removing, destroying, tampering any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag posted or
required by the Fire Service for fire safety in any building, structure or processing
equipment; and

Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical

system beyond its designed capacity, or such other practices that would tend to
undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system.

RULES TO FOLLOW IN CASE FIRE BREAKS OUT IN YOUR HOME

1.Do not panic. Shout for help or call the fire department.

2.Warm everybody in the house so they can leave at once by the safest exit and stay
out of the building.

3.Do not try to fight the fire larger than one in a waste basket, unless you have had
special training.

4.Try to close the door and window when you leave, because close doors and
windows slow the spread of fire.

5.If you must go through a smoky area, crawl on your hands and knees as close to
the floor as possible to avoid suffocation.

6.Do not hastily jump out of windows above the first floor. The fall can be fatal .Give
firemen a chance to arrive and effect rescue.

30
7.Do not run if your clothing catches fire because you just fan the fire. Roll on the
ground or blanket to smother the flames.

8.Before opening the closed door in a burning building, feel the door first with the
palm of the finger. Do not open if it feels hot. The fire on the other side might be
blazing piercingly that the flames will blow you or kill you upon opening the door or
explosion might occur.

FIREFIGTHING ACTIVITIES

FIREFIGTHING EQUIPMENTS Considering the danger and hazards posed by a

fire, extra-protective equipment should be wom by the fire fighters to minimize
injury or death.Other equipment are also recommended to expedite the
extinguishment of the destructive fire to prevent the spread of the fire.

ALL-PURPOSE NOZZLE

Attached to the end of the fire hose and is used to direct a solid stream of water, low
or high velocity fog to the fire. The nozzle can be adjusted easily and quickly by the
handle.

Do not pick-up a charge hose by the handle of the nozzle (the hose is charged when
it has a water available at the nozzle).

The handle could easily move to open position, and the high water pressure (about
100 psi) could cause the hose to whiplash dangerously, possibly injuring personnel
or damaging equipment.

Fire Hose

Made up of double-jacketed, rubber-lined cotton in size of 11/2-inch, 2 1/2 inch,

and 3 -inch.

The standard length is 50 feet length is normally referred to as length

There are two fitting on each length of a hose; a make fitting on one end and a female
fitting at the other end.

Hoses should always be rolled with the female fitting inside to protect the threads.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT- Those previously mentioned in preceding chapter.

FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS- Those previously mentioned in the preceding chapter.

PRE-FIRE PLANNING- This activity involves developing and defining systematic

course of actions that maybe performed in order to realize the objectives of fire
protection; involves

ENTRY-This is the process of accessing the burning structure. Entry maybe done in
a forcible entry:

To provide access for fire fighters with equipment for fire extinguishment
To provide rescue
To aid in ventilation

When is forcible entry required?

When areas where normal openings are locked, blocked, or not provided.

31
RESCUE- This is the operation of removing (extricating), thus saving, people and
other livestock from the burning building and other involved properties, conveying
them to a secure place.

TYPES OF RESCUE

Rescue from burning building

Rescue from collapse building
Rescue from vehicular accident
Rescue from cave-ins
Rescue from electrocution
Rescue from hazardous atmosphere

BASIC APPROACH FOR RESCUE OPERATION

Learn the facts of the situation- data gathering by:

Information, and
Person who reported the incident
Understanding probabilities Do the greatest good to the greatest number.
Know your situation
Evaluate personnel and equipment and the number of victims and rescuers

GASES THAT ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE A NEED FOR RESCUE WORK ARE:

Industrial gases which include refrigerants, fuel gases, anesthetic, fumigants and
processing gases.

Fire gases including smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon and
others.
Gases from decomposition which includes ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur
dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, etc.
Rescue from drowning
Rescue from air crash

DETERMINE THE PLAN OF ACTION

L- LOCATE THE VICTIM-FIND OR DETERMINE WHERE THE VICTIM IS

A-ACCESS- MEANS OF GOING TO THE VICTIM

S- STABILIZED FOR FIRST AID APPLICATION BY TRIAGE LIFE

THREATENING CASES ARE ALREADY GIVEN NECESSARY CARE

T- TRANSFER THE VICTIM TO THE HOSPITAL

INDICATION OF EMERGENCY RESCUE

Where there is a danger of fire of explosion

Where there is a danger of toxic gasses
Where there is a danger of asphyxiation
Where there is a danger of traffic hazard
Where there is a danger of electrocution
Where there is a danger of collapse
Where there is a danger of pin by machinery
Where there is a danger of condition
CONSIDERATION OF RESCUE WORK

32
Do the method and extent or rescue work and whether the result that maybe
obtained justify it?
Will it be safe for the rescue team?
Will it increase the possibility of saving the lives of trapped men?
POINTS TO CONSIDER IN PLANNING
1. Plans and maps
2. Interview points
3. Number of people inside the building
4. Number of available rescuers
5. Rescue equipments
6. Know the danger and risk
7. Condition in the type of rescue
8. Familiarity of the access and passages
PREPARATION TO RESCUE WORK
1. Fit to do the job
2. Tools and equipment issued to members
3. Instruction be discussed to the team
4. Synchronized watches
5. List of the team members
DURING RESCUE
1. Check surrounding for possible approach
2. Check impending hazard
3. Secure work site
4. Provide support
5. Limit opening for entry
6. Be on guard for any leak from LPG
7. Plot to progress of work or a map
8. Write down progress or activities
PROCEDURE IN FIRE SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR)
1. Always wear breathing apparatus when performing SAR in a building.
2. Types of SCBA:
a. Demand apparatus
b. Positive pressure apparatus
c. Closed circuit positive pressure compressed oxygen apparatus (re-breather)
3. If at all work in pairs.
4. By observing exterior of the burning building before entering, locate more than
one means of egress.
5. Be sure others are fighting the fire before entering the building.
6. Once you enter the building, visibility will be poor at best, if you cannot see your
feet, do not remain standing. Search on hands and knees.
7. Completely search on an outside wall to allow you to ventilate by opening
windows as soon as possible. Ventilate only if ventilation will not cause the spread of
fire.
9. Move all furniture, searching behind and under all furniture.
10. Search all closets and cupboards including shower stalls.
11. Occasionally pause during search and listen for cries for help or other signs or
signals.
12. Move up and down stairs on your hands and knees, keeping on your head up
whether descending or ascending.
13. After searching a room, leave a sign or signs indicating that the room has been
searc. Chairs turned over, latch straps, mattress folded sideways on bed, or closet
doors open. But close entry door to room to prevent the spread of fire.
14. Always look for the extension of fire and report any extension to the commanding
officer.
15. if rooms or building are too hot to enter, reach in doorway or window with a
handle of a tool. Many victims will be found just inside the doorway or windows.

33
16. Once you have successfully rescued a victim, place to someones custody so they
will not to try to reenter the building for any reason.
QUALIFICATIONS OF A RESCUER
1. Not below 21 years old and not over 45 years old.
2. Organically sound, in good health and physically fit.
3. Of sound mind
4. Of temperate habit
5. Have good hearing and vision.
6. Courageous and have good judgment and initiative.
7. Calm and self-controlled in emergency and danger.
8. Strong and capable of performing long and arduous physical labor.
9. First aider
10. Honest and preserving.
EXPOSURE (cover exposure) - This is the activity of securing other buildings near
the burning structure in order to prevent the fire from extending to another building.
CONFINEMENT - This is the acticity of restricting the fire at the place (room)
where it started; the process of preventing fire from extending from another section
or form one section to another section of the involvevd building
VENTILATION This is the operation purposely conducted to displace toxic gases.
It includes the process of displacing the heated atmosphere within the involved
building with normal air from outside atmosphere
Advantages of Ventilations
1. Aids rescue operations Proper ventilation simplifies and expedites the rescue
of victims by removing smoke and gases the endanger occupants who are trapped
or unconscious, and by making conditions safer for fire fighters.
2. Speeds attack and extinguishment the removal of smoke, gases, and heat from
the building permits fire fighters to more rapidly locate the fire and proceed with
extinguishment. It will also reduce the danger of asphyxiation.
3. Reduces property damage rapid extinguishment of fire reduces property
damage.
4. Reduces mushrooming When sufficient heat is confined in the area, the
temperature of combustible materials rises to their ignition points. These materials
will not ignite, however, unless sufficient oxygen is available to support combustion.
In this situation , a very dangerous condition exists because the admittance of an air
supply is all that is needed to change the overheated area into an inferno (back
draft). In order to prevent this critical situation from occurring, top ventilation must
be provided to release superheated fire gases and smoke.
Three (3) types of ventilation
1. Vertical ventilation
2. Horizontal ventilation
3. Mechanical/force ventilation
SALVAGE act of protecting the properties from preventable damage other than
the fire
The steps are as follows:
1. remove the material outside the burning area
2. protect or cover the materials by using the tarpaulins (cotton canvass treated with
water proofing)
EXTINGUISHMENT- This is the process of putting out the main body of fire by
using the 4 general methods of fire extinguishment: Cooling, smothering, separation
the combination of the above.
OVERHAUL- This is the complete and detailed check of the structure and all
materials therein to eliminate conditions that may cause re-flash; involves complete
extinguishment of sparks or smoldering (glowing) substances (embers) to prevent
eliminate possibilities of re-ignition or rekindling.
FIRE SCENE INVESTIGATION- This is the final stage of fire suppression activities.
It is an inquiry conducted to know or determine the origin and cause of fire.

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PART SIX
THE INVESTIGATION OF FIRE
In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection is the main government agency
responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires on buildings,
houses and other structures, forest, land transportation vehicles and equipment ,
ships or vessels docked at piers or major seaports, petroleum industry installations,
plane crashes and other similar incidents, as well as the enforcement of the Fire
Code and other related laws. It has the major power to investigate all causes of fire
and, if necessary, file the proper complaints with the proper authority who has
jurisdiction over the case (R.A 6975, Sec. 54).
Why Fires should be investigated? The reason why fires should be investigated is to
determine the cause of the fire in order to prevent similar occurrences.
The determination of the origin and cause of fire is arrived at only after a thorough
investigation. Since basic investigation is a prelude to the discovery of the true cause
of the concern for successful investigation.
Who are qualified to investigate fires? A fire investigator should have the
following traits:
1. Should possess knowledge of investigational techniques.
2. Should have an insight of human behavior.
3. Should have a first hand knowledge of the chemistry of fire and its behavior
4. Should be resourceful.
Complexity and Uniqueness of fire Investigation It said to be complex and unique
because:
1. Fire destroys evidence
2. If it is Arson, it is planned, motivated and committed in discreet.
3. Rarely can there be an eyewitness in Arson.
The Firemens Role in Fire Investigation: Firemen who usually arrived at the crime
scene ahead of the fire investigators are valuable sources of information. They are
the so called Eyes and Ears of the police before, during and after the fire has been
placed under control.
THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF FIRE INVESTIGATION
Arson and other Crimes Involving Destruction
ARSON defined Arson is the intentional or malicious destruction of property by
fire.
It is the concern of fire investigation to prove malicious intent of the offender.
Intent must be proved, otherwise, no crime exist.
The law presumes that a fire is accidental, hence criminal designs must be
shown. Fire caused by accident or criminal design must be shown. Fire caused by
accident or negligence does not constitute arson.
Basis of Criminal Liability in arson
1. Kind and character of the building burned
2. Location of the building
3. Extent or value of the damage
4. Whether inhabited or not.
Destructive Arson is committed by burning of:
1. Any arsenal, shipyard, storehouse, military powder or firework factory,
ordinance storehouse, archives or general museum of the government;
2. Any passenger train or motor vehicle in motion or vessel out of ports;
3. In an inhabited place, any storehouse or factory of inflammable or explosive
materials; and
4. Any theater, church< cockpit, or other building where meetings are held,
when occupied by numerous assemblage.
Other Forms of Arson
q. Setting fires to any building, farmhouse, warehouse, hut, shelter, or vessel in
port, knowing it to be occupied at the time by one or more person.

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 2. Building burned is a public building and value of damage exceeds six
thousand pesos (P6000.00).
3. Building burned is a public building and purpose is to destroy evidence kept
therein to be used in instituting prosecution for punishment of violators of law,
irrespective of the amount of damage.
4. Building burned is a public building and purpose is to destroy evidence kept
therein to be used in legislative, judicial or administrative proceeding, irrespective
of the damage, if the evidence is to be used against defendant of any crime
punishable under existing law.
Arson of Property of Small Value (Art. 323, RPC)-elements are:
1. Burning of any uninhabited hut, storehouse, barn, shed, or any other property.
2. Under circumstances clearly excluding all danger of the fire spreading.
3. Value of the property does not exceed 25.00 pesos.
Crimes Involving Destruction Elements are:
1. Offender causes destruction
2. By any of the following means:
a) explosion
b) discharge of electric current
c) inundation, sinking or stranding of a vessel
d) taking up the rails from a railway track
e) malicious changing of railway signals for the safety of moving trains
f) destroying telegraph wires and telegraph post or those any other communication
system
g) by using any other agency or means of destruction as effective as the above.
Article 325, RPC Burning Ones Own Property as a Means of Committing
arson
This article punishes the burning of ones own property for the purpose of
committing arson or great destruction of anothers property.
Article 326, RPC Setting Fire to Property Exclusively Owned by the offender -
This act is punished if the purpose of the offender is to:
a) Defraud or cause damage of the offender is to:
b) damaged is actually caused upon anothers property even if such purpose is
absent or
c) Thing burned is a building in an inhabited place.
Presidential Decree No. 1613 - Amending the Law on Arson
Special Aggravating Circumstances in Arson
1. If committed with intent to gain;
2. If committed with the benefit of another;
3. If the offender is motivated by spite hatred towards the owner or occupant of
the property burned;
4. If committed by a syndicate (3 or more persons).
Prima Facie Evidence of Arson
1. If the fire started simultaneously in more than one part of the building or
establishment,
2. If substantial amounts of flammable substances or materials are stored with in
the building not necessary in the business of the offender nor for house hold use,
3. If gasoline, kerosene, petroleum, or other flammable or combustible
substances or materials soaked therewith or containers thereof or any mechanical,
electrical, chemical, or electronic contrivance designed to start a fire, or ashes or
traces of any of the foregoing are found in the ruins of premises of the burned
building or property,
4. If the building or property is insured for substantially more than its actual
value at the time of the issuance of the policy,
5. If during the lifetime of the corresponding fire insurance policy more than two
fires have occurred in the same or other premises owned or under the control of the
offender and /or insured,

36
 6. If shortly before the fire, a substantial portion of the effects insured and stored
in a building or property had been withdrawn from the premises except in the
ordinary
Course of business.
7. If a demand for money or other valuable consideration was made before the
fire in exchange for the desistance of the offender or for the safety of the person or
property of the victim.
ARSON INVESTIGATION
What Constitutes Arson?
1. Burning - to constitute burning, pyrolysis must takes place. In other words
there must be burning or changing, i.e. the fiber of the wood must be destroyed, its
identify changed.
2. Willfulness means intentional, and implies that the act was done purposely
and intentionally.
3. Malice it denotes hatred or a desire for revenge.
4. Motive is the moving cause that induces the commission of the crime.
5.Intent - is the purpose or design with which the act is done and involves the will.
Methods of Proof in Arson:
Physical evidence in arson are often destroyed. To prove arson was committed,
Corpus Delicti must be shown and the identity of the arsonist must be established.
Corpus Delicti (The body of crime) is the fact of that crime was committed.
The following must show it:
1. Burning that there was fire that may be shown by direct testimony of
complainant, firemen responding to the crime, other eyewitnesses. Burned parts of
the building may also indicate location.
2. Criminal Design must shown that it was willfully and intentionally done. The
presence of incendiary devices, flammables such as gasoline and kerosene may
indicate that the fire is not accidental.
3. Evidence of Intent When valuables were removed from the building before
the fire, ill-feeling between the accused and the occupants of the building burned,
absence of effort to put off fire and such other indications.

Basic Lines of Inquiry:

1. Origin of fire
2. Motive
3. Prima Facie Evidence and Prime Suspects
4. Tell Tale Signs
A. Points of Origin of Fire
Initially, the important point to be established is the point of origin of fire. In
other words, at what particular place in the building the fire started? This may be
established by an examination of the witness, by an inspection of the debris at the
fire scene and by studying the fingerprint of fire.
The fingerprint of fire occurs during the free burning stage of the fire when pyrolytic
decomposition moves upward on the walls leaving a bunt pattern.
Witness must be questioned as to:
1. His identity
2. What attracted his attention
3. Time of observation
4. His position ibn relation to the fire at the time observation
5. Exact location of the blaze
6. Size nad intensity
7. Rapidity of spread
8. Color of flame and odor if he is in a position to observe this
9. Any other person in the vicinity beside the witness

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 Fire setting Mechanisms
1. Matches
2. Candle
3. Electrical sysstem
4. Mechanical means
5. Chemical methods

B. Motive- Fires are sety by:

1. Persons with Motivities
a) those with desire to defraud the insurer
b) employees or such other person who have a grievance (Fire revenge)
c) those with desire to conceal evidence of a crime
d) those who set fire for purposes of intimidation
2. Persons without motives
a) those who are mentally ill
b) pathological fire-setters
c) Pyros (Pytromaniac)
d) psychos
In determining motive, the investigator must concentrates on three major factors:
Point of origin of fire, Modus operandi of arsonist, Benificiaries.
Motives of Arsonist:
1. Economic Gain
a) Insurance fraud- benifiting
b) Desire to dispose merchandise- lost of market value being out of
season, lack of raw materials, over supply of merchandise can be a big reason for
arson.
Existing business transaction that the arsonist would like to avoid such
as impending liquidation, settlement of estate, need for cash, prospective
business failure, and increase rentals.

2. Profit by the Perpetrator other than the insured

a) Insurance agents wishing business with the insured.
b) Business competitors planning to drive others.
c) Person seeking job as personnel protection.
d) Salvagers and contractors wishing to contract another building.
3. Concealment of crime- when the purpose of hiding a crime or commiting a
crime, arson was used as means.
Punitive Measure- to inflict injury to another due to hatred, jealousy and revenge.
Intimidation or economic Disabling- these are saboteurs, strikers and racketeers to
intimidate management or employer.
Pyromania- the uncontrollable implulse of a person to burn anything without any
motivation. They do not run away from the fire scene since they love watching fire
burning.
Typesof Pyromania:
a) Abnormal youth- epeliptics,imbeciles and morons
b) Hero Type- a person set a building on fire and pretends to discover it, turn on the
alarm ot make some rescue works to appear as hero.
c) Drugs addicts and alcoholics
d) Sexual deviates and perverts.
C. Development of Prime Suspects-This identification results from the full
development of leads, clues and traces, the testimony of persons particularly eye
witness and the development of expert testimony. The following technique may
serve the investigation.
1. Search of the fire scene for physical evidence:
a) protection of the scene
b) mechanics of search

38
 c) collection and preservation of evidence
d) laboratory aids
2. Background study of policyhoolders, occupants of premises, owner of building or
other person having major interest in the fire.
3. Interviews and interrogations of persons who discovered the fire, and the one who
turned the first alarm, firemen, and eyewitnesses.
4. Surveillance

D. Tell Tale Signs- These signs maybe obvious that first fireman at the scene will
suspect arson or they maybe so well concealed that moths of patient investigation to
show that it is set of will be required.
1. Burned Building- the type of the building may indicate a set fire under certain
circumstances. A fire of considirable size at the time the first apparatus arrive at the
scene is suspicious if it is a modern concreate or semi-concreate building.
2. Separate fires- when two or more separate fire breaks out within a building. The
fire is certainly suspicious.
3. Color of smoke- some fire burn with little or no smoke but there are exeption. The
observation of the smoke must be made at the start of the fire since once the fire has
consumed a major proportion, the value of the smoke is lost, because the smoke will
not indicate the material used by the arsonist.
When white smoke appears before the water from the fire hose comes in contract
with the fire, it indicates presence of chlorine.
Bitng smoke, irritating the nose and throat and causing lacrymation and coughing
indicates presence of chlorine.
Black smoke indicates lack of air but if accompanied by large flames it indicates
petroleum products and rubber.
Reddish-brown smoke indicates nitrocellulose, S1, H2, SO4, HNO3 or HCI.
Meaning of color of smoke and fire:
Black smoke with deep red flame- petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastics, tec.
Heavy brown with bright red flame- nitrogen products
White smoke with bright flame- magnesium products
Black smoke with red and blue green flame- asphalt
Purple-violet flame- potassium products
Greenish-yellow flame- Chloride or manganese products
Bright reddish yellow flame- Calcium products
4. Color of flame- The color of the flame is a good indication of the intensity of the fire,
an important factor in determining incendiarism.
A reddish glow indicates heat of 5000 degrees centigarde, a real light read
about 100 degrees centigrade. Red flames indicate presence of petroleum. Blue
flame indicates use of alcohol as accelerant
Smoke Marks- An experience investigation wioll determine the volume of
smoke involved at a fire and the character as residue deposited on walls or
elsewhere. Smoke marks have often been of assistance in determining the possibilit
of a fire having more than one place of origin.
5. Size of Fire- This ids important when correlated with the type of alarm, the time
received and the time of arrival of the first fire apparatus. Fires make what might be
termed a normal progress. Such progress can be estimated after an examination of
time element and the degree of headway much by the flames become important
factors to determine factors to determine possible incendiarism.
6. Direction of Travel- While it is admitted that no two fires burn in identical fashion,
yet it can be shown that fire makes normal progress through various types of
building. Considering the type of construction, the building materials,
combustibility of contents, channel of ventilation and circumstances surronding the
sending of alarm, an experienced investigator can determine whether a fire has
spread abnormally fast.

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7. Intensity- The degree of heat given off by a fire and the color of its flame
oftentimes indivate that some accelerant has been added to the material normally
present in a building and the investigator must look further evidence pointing to use
of such accelerant. Difficulty in extinguishing fire id often a lead to suspect presence
of such fluid as gasoline and kerosene.
8. Odor- The odor of gasoline, alcohol, kerosene and other inflammable liquids
which are often used as accelerant is characteristic and oftentimes arsonist are
trapped because of this telltale sign. Most of fire-setters are inclined to use
substances which will make the blaze certain and at the same time burn up any
evidence of their crime.

9. Condition of Content- Persons tending to set their house on fire frequently

remove objects of value either materially or sentimentally. Store and other business
establishments oftentimes remove a major portion of their content or replace
valuable merchandise without a key to the premises.
10. Doors and Windows- Locked doors and obstructed entrance and passageways
sometimes point to an attempt to impede firemen in their fight to put out the fire.
Doors and windows showing signs of forced entry may point to arson preceded by
bulgary or arson by someone without of style artivcles.
11. Other Suspicious Circumstances- Interested by-standers of familiar faces and
discovery of some objects which might be part of a mechanical fire-setting device
among the debris.
Methods Employed by the arsonist:
Introduction of incendiary materials such as:
1. Combustible liquids, which may require open flame for ignition.
2. Certain gases when mixed with air possess excellent ignition of the property and
when present in an enclosed area may lead to an explosion. E.iacetylene , CO,
ethylene, H, etc.
3. Solid exist in finely ground or powder condition, those that form an excellent
combustible substance. Some substances generate intense heat that could cause
ignition. E.i- clhorates, nitrates, perchlorates, chromates, etc.
4. Use of Plant and other contrivances
Plants are devices, which are designed to ignite combustable materials sometime
after the initiating action. The arsonist therefore has the opportunity to escape from
the premises.
These are:
Heating appliances:
Flat iron, toaster, soldering iron, hot plates, lamp which are in contact with
combustible materials and abandoned until fire starts.
Sparklers such as electric switches, doorbells, short circuit telephone boxes that are
placed near volatile fluid emitting vapor with high concentrations. Once spark is
emitted, it is enough to pruduce fire.
Mechanical devices:
Clock mechanism that can be arranged so that the alarm movement starts the fire.
Altered equipment such as broken pipes on oil burner or sprinkler system in which
combustible fluids have been placed.
Guidelines in the Investigation of Arson
I. Arrival and Observation
1. Arrival
Observe person/vehicle leaving the area
Characteristics of person/vehicle leaving the area
Unusual road/street condition
Barricade showing progress of response
Vehicle parked in such manner as to create obstruction to the fire scene
2. Observation
Identify the person who called them

40
 First person who leave the fire scene
Did the fire occur during or after business hr.?
Was it during daytime or nighttime?
Conduction of traffic in the area
II. The Fire Scene
1. Protecting the fire scene
a. Cooperation of the firemen and the police
b. Assignment of guards
2. Mechanics of Search
a. Planning
b. Sifting of the debris
c. Location of the heart of the fire
d. General rules/SOPs
3. Collecting and Preservation of Evidence
a. Photography
b. Sketching
c. Assistance of qualified ecperts
d. Handling of physical evidence
Legal Requirements in Preserving Pieces of Physical Evidence in Arson
A. Admissibility of the object or substance- it requires full accounting of the object
or substance from the scene to the court.
B. Admissibility of the results of Laboratory Examinations
1. Qualification of technician
2. Safeguarding of the samples during analysis
3. Result of the examination

C. Interpretations oh the Findings to be made in non-technical language.

D. Interviews and Interrogation
1. Time and place of questioning
2. Interviews of firemen, person who discovered the fire, insurance agent,
neighbors, insured and other person who has direct connection regarding the
burned property.
Interrogation
1. proof of the existence ofd the fire
2. to establish jurisdiction of the court
3. corpusdelecti
4. proof for incendiary origin of fire
5. proof of the guilt of accused

E. Searching for Evidence- The safest procedure is for the investigator to start rat
the top of the heap and carefully removing the objects one by one., laying them
aside until reaching the bottom where he will find the pot of gold, the evidence.

Steps In Tracing the origin of Fire and searching for Evidence:

1. External/Outside Survey- Careful conduct of inspection to the burned building.
2. Internal/Inside Survey- enter the building to correlate the same with the outside
survey of the structure in question.
3. locate the point of origin of fire, the ceiling area must be checked first.
4. Look for Prima Facie Evidence of Arson
F. Entering the Building- When entering the building, the investigator should:
1. Look for marks on doors and windows not burned for possible indication of
forcible entry.
2. notice whether the intruder has discarded tools used for forcible entry.
3. Notice unusual arrangement of the building content
4. Stocks or substitution of stocks, new expensive stocks have been removed
substituted by second hand or old stocks.

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III) Post Investigation

Methods According to Investigation- Among the most likely methods to be

used ny investigators are the recording of the facts noted at the fire scene, sketches
and photographs as well as statement taken from witnesses, and other sources of
information that maybe useful in developing the investigation and completing the
reports, fire inspection reports and financial reports.

All notes be through, accurate, detailed and neat so that they are easy to
transcribe and/or read. They will readily assist in correlating observations and
developing leads. These notes are the principal basis of all reports the investigator
makes and submits.

The Fire Investigation Report- it is the final written results of taking notes,
recording observations and interviewing witnesses. It includes the written results of
the construction and size of burned structure, what the firemen observed and
encountered upon their arrival at the fire scene, the color of smokes and flame, and
the intensity and location of fire.

Inventory of Evidence- As the evidence is collected and marked for

identification purposes, it should be entered on some type of inventory sheet. In all
cases, it will improve the admissibility of evidence by establishing chain of custody
necessary to prove during trial on an arson case

Definition of Term

1. Abatement- Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.

2. Administrator-Any person who acts as agents of the owner and manages the
use of a building for him.
3. Air craft service station-The portion of an airport where flammable of liquids
are stored or dispensed and shall include all facilities essential there to such
as underground tanks from which aircraft fuel and lubricants maybe drawn
through dispensing device.
4. Alligatoring or Alligator Pattern- A burned pattern usually on woods
resembling the skin of an alligator, often used to trace the fire to its origin.
5. Assembly Occupancy- The occupancy or use of a building or structure or any
portion there of by a group of person for civic, political education, travel,
religious, social, amusement or recreational purposes.
6. Atoms- The smallest particles of elements that take part in a chemical
reaction.
7. Automatic Fire Suppression System- An integrated system of underground or
overhead piping or both connected to a source of extinguishing agent or
medium and design in accordance with fire protection engineering standards
which when actuated by its automatic detecting device suppresses fire within
the area protected.
8. Blasting Agent- Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used
to set off explosives.
9. Boiling Point- the temperature at which a liquid is transformed or converted to
vapor.
10. Cargo Tank- any container mounted on a tank vehicle with a capacity of at
least four hundred fifty (450) liters used for carrying flammable or
combustible liquids
11. Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose- A highly combustible and explosive
compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.
12. Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin)- Any plastic substance, materials or
compound having cellulose nitrate (into cellulose) as base.

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13. Chief of the local Fire Service- The official duly designated to head the local
fire service, the functions of the fire service, the station commander of the
Integrated National Police.
14. Class A fire- Fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood,
cloth, paper, rubber and plastics.
15. Class B fire- Fire inflammable liquids and gasses
16. Class C fire- Fire involving energized electrical equipment.
17. Class D fire- Fire involvingcombustible metals, such as magnesium, sodium,
potassium and other similar materials.
18. Combination Standpipe- Pipe line system filled with water connected to a
constant water supply for the use of the Fire Service and the occupants of the
buildings solely for suppression purposes.
19. Combustible Fiber Loose House- An enclosed and isolated structure where
loose fibers are worked upon, and used as storage for such fibers.
20. Combustible Fiber- Any readily ignitable and free burning fiber such as
cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay, straw, Spanish
moss, excelsior and other similar materials commonly used in commerce.
21. Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable- Descriptive of materials that are
easily set on fire.
22. Combustible Liquid- Any liquid having a flash point at or above
37.8oC(100oF)
23. Combustion- The burning of any substance, is a process that evolves f light
and heat.
24. Corrosive Liquid- Any liquid which causes fire when in contract with organic
matter or with certain chemicals.
25. Crazing of Glass- Formation of irregular cracks in glass due to rapid intense
heat possibly when accelerant is used.
26. Cryogenic- Descriptive of any material which by its nature or as a result of its
reaction with other elements produces a rapid drop in temperature of the
immediate surroundings.
27. Curtain Board- a vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials
attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roots trusses, to
divide the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and
smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.
28. Damper- A normally open device installed inside an air duct system which
automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire.
29. Depth of Char- Depth of burning wood used to determine length of burn
thereby locating the point of origin of fire.
30. Dip Tank- a tank, vat or container of flammable or combustible liquid in which
articles or materials are immersed for the purposed of coating, finishing,
treating or similar processes.
31. Distillation- The process of first raising the temperature to separate the more
volatile from the less volatile parts and then cooling and condensing the result
vapor so as to produce a nearly purified substance.
32. Dry Standpipe- A type of standpipe system in which the pipe are normally not
filled with water. Water is introduced into the system thru fire service
connection when needed.
33. Duct System- a continuous passageway for the transmission of air.
34. Dust- a finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in the proper
proportion and ignited will cause an explosion.
35. Electrical arc- an extremely hot luminous bridge form by the passage of an
electric current across a space between two conductors or terminals o the
incandescence of the conducting vapor.
36. Ember- A hot piece of lump that remains after a material has partially burned,
and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of flames.

43
37. Endothermic Reaction- Changes whereby energy is absorbed or is added
before the reaction takes place.
38. Exothermic Reaction- Those that release or give off energy (heat) thus they
produce substances with less energy that the reactants.
39. Explosive- Includes any chemical compound or mechanical mixture, that is
commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion
40. Explosive magazine- building, Structures or facilities used for the storage of
explosive shells, projectile and ammunition.
41. Finishes Materials used as final coasting of a surface for ornamental or
protective purposes.
42. Fire The active principle of burning , characterized by the heat and light of
combustion
43. to warm the occupants of the building or fire fighting elements of the
presence or danger of fire to enable them to undertake immediate action to
save file and properly and to suppress the fire.
44. Fire Alerting System A fire alarm system activated by the presence of a fire,
where the signal is transmitted to designated location instead sounding a
general alarm, in order to prevent panic.
45. Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation
walls or portions.
46. Fire Engine- a heavy motor truck equipped with fire fighting apparatus,
especially power driven pumps for throwing water and chemical under high
pressure, a.k.a FIRE TRUCK
47. Fire exit drill- a practice drill for the orderly and safe evacuation of occupants
in a building.
48. Fire Hazard Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase
in the probability of fire or with may obstruct delay hinder or interfere with
fire fighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property.
49. Fire Hydrant or Fire plug An upright pipe with a spout or nozzle in the street
for drawing from a water main source especially for fighting fire.
50. Fire Inspector/Fire Safety Inspector/or Fire Prevention Inspector- Personnel
of the Fire service of the INP performing Fire safety and prevention function.
51. Fire Lane- The portion of a roadway or public-way that should be kept opened
and unobstructed at all times for the expedient operations of fire fighting
units.
52. Fire Protective Assembly- an assembly incorporated in a structure designed
to prevent the spread of fire, such as dampers, curtain boards, fire stoppers,
etc.
53. Fire Protective and Fire safety Device- any device intended for the protection
of buildings or persons to include but not limited to built-in protection of
sprinkles and other automatic extinguishing system, detectors for heat, smoke
and combustion products and other warning system components, personal
protective equipment such as fire blankets, helmets fire suits, gloves and
other garments that maybe put on or worn by persons to protect themselves
during fire.
54. Fire Resistance Rating The time duration that a material or construct can with
stand the effect of hundred fire test.
55. Fire Safety Construction- refers to design and installation of walls, barriers,
doors, windows, vents, means of egress etc. integral to and incorporate into
building or structure in order to minimize to life from fire, smoke, fumes or
panic before the building is evacuated. These features are also designed to
achieved, among others, safe and rapid evacuation of people through means
of egress sealed from smoking or fire, the confinement of fire in the building
by means to include the treatment of building components or contents with
flame retardant chemicals.

44
56. Fire Service-An organization or a component of integrated National Police
charged with the mission of fire protection, fire protection and fire conditions.
57. 57.Fire Trap-A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or
because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.
58. 58.Fire Wall-A wall designed to prevent the spreads of fire, having a fire
resistance rating of non less than four hours with sufficient structural stability
to remain standing even if construction on either side collapses under fire
conditions.
59. Flame Retardant Any compound, or mixture which when applied properly
improves the fire resistance quality of fabrics and other materials.
60. 60.Flame Spread Rating-The time in which flame will spread over the surface
of a burning material.
61. Flash Point-The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air.
62. Forging-A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its
shape or dimensions.
63. Fulminate-A king of stable explosive compounds, which explodes by
percussion.
64. Fumigant-A gas, fume, or vapor used for the destruction or control of insects,
fungi, vermin, germs, rodents, or other pets.
65. Hazardous Fire Area-Any land covered with dry grass, cogon, reeds, brush,
and other highly combustible growth that fires are likely to occur therein and
hard to suppress.
66. Hardous operation / process-Any act of manufacturing, fabrication,
conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely to cause
fires or explosions.
67. High Rise Building - Buildings, structures of facilities fifteen (15) meter or
more in height.
68. Horinzontal Channel- Any uninterrupted space between horizontal layers of
stored commodities. Such channel may be formed by pallets, shelving, racks
or other storage arrangements.
69. Horizontal Exit- Passage from one building to another or through or around a
wall in approximately the same floor level.
70. Hose Box A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are
stored and arranged for fire fighting.
71. Hose Reel A cylindrical devices turning on an axis around which fire hose is
wound and connected.
72. Hydrocarbon- Any substance containing primarily carbon and hydrogen.
73. Hypergolic Fuel- A rocket or liquid propellant, which consists of
combinations of fuels and oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on contact
with each other.
74. Industrial Banking and Drying-The industrial process of subjecting materials
to heat for the purpose of removing solvents or moisture from the same,
and/or to fuse certain chemical salts to from a uniform glazing on the surface
of materials being treated .
75. Jumper- A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety
devices in an electrical system.
76. Line of Demarcation or Demarcation Line-The line between the charred and
uncharred portion of a burned material.
77. Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Any flammable gas liquefied through
pressure. The liquid vaporized under normal atmospheric pressure.
78. Means of Egress-a continuous and unobstructed route of exit from any point in
a building, structure or facility to a public way.
79. Occupancy- The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or
intended to be used.

45
80. Occupant- Any person actually occupying and using a building or portions
thereof by virtue of a lease contract with the owner or administration or by
permission or sufferance of the latter.
81. Occupant Load- The maximum number of person that may be allowed to
occupy a particular building, structure or facility or portions thereof.
82. Oil Burning Equipment-An oil burner of any type together with its tank,
piping, wiring, controls, blower and related devices, and shall include all oil
fired units, heating and cooking appliances.
83. Organic Coating A liquid mixture of binders such as alkyd, nitrocellulose,
acrylic, or oil, and flammable and combustible solvents such as hydrocarbon,
ester, ketone or alcohol, which when spread on a surface becomes a durable
protective and decorative finish.
84. Organic Peroxide-A strong oxidizing organic compound which releases
oxygen readily. It causes fire when In contract with combustible materials
especially under conditions of high temperature.
85. 85.Overloading- The uses of one or more electrical appliances or devices
which draw or consume electrical current beyond the designed capacity of
the existing electrical system.
86. Owner-The person who holds the legal rights of possession or a title or a
building or real property.
87. Oxidation-The act of uniting or of causing a substance to unite with oxygen
88. Oxidizing Agent-The substance that acquires electrons during an oxidation-
reduction reaction. In the course of the reaction, the oxidizing agent is reduce.
89. Oxidizing Material- A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities
sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.
90. Panic Hardware A mechanical device consisting of linkages and horizontal
bar across a door, which when pushed from the side will cause the door to
open and facilitate exit from a building, structure or facility.
91. Packing Rooms- Rooms where baled, bundled or piled materials are
segregated into desires sizes or groups.
92. Plenum- An air compartment or chamber to which one or more ducts are
connected and which form part of an air distribution system.
93. Point to Point Search- A method of searching victims by first attending or
saving the first person then proceeding to save the next victim.
94. Pressurized or Forced Draft Burning Equipment- Type of burner where the
fuel is subjected to pressure prior to discharge into the combustion chamber
and/or which includes fans or other provisions for the introduction of air at
above normal atmospheric pressure into the same combustion chamber.
95. Public Assembly Building- Any building or structure where fifty (50) or more
people congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose.
96. Public Way- Any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed from the
ground to the sky, deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated
for public use.
97. pyrophoric- Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when
exposed to air.
98. Refining- A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials are
removed from a mixture in order to produce a pure element or compound. It
shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
99. Self-Closing Doors- Automatic closing doors that are designed to confine
smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire.
100. Smelting- Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to
separate impurities from pure materials.
101. Smoke Developed Rating- A rating of a combustible mkaterials based
on the density and volume of smoke developed within a certain period of time
when its surface is ignited.

46
102. Smoking- puffing, carrying and/or use of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette
or tobacco in any form.
103. Specific Gravity- The ratio of the weight of a solid or liquid substance to
the weight of an equal volume of water.
104. Spontaneous Combustion- The ignition of combustibole substance to
the weight of an equal volume of smoke developed vwithin a certain period of
time when its surface is ignited.
105. Spraying Area- Any area in which dangerous quantities of flammable
vapor or combustible residues, dust or deposits are present due to the
operation of spraying devices.
106. Sprinkler System- An integrated network of hydraulically designed
piping installed in a building, structure or area with outlets arranged in a
systematic pattern which automatically discharges water when activated by
heat or combustion products from a fire.
107. Standpipe System- A system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire
hoses can be attached on each floor, including a system by which water is
made available to the outlets as needed.
108. Tampering- The act of bringing about an improper situation or
condition by clandestine means, such as illegally wiring an electrical matter to
steal electricity.

109. Tank Vehicle- Any vehicle carrying or towing a cargo tank used for
transporting flammable fluids or hazardous chemicals.
110. Technology- The branch of knowledge that deals with industrial atrs
and sciences; the science of technical process.
111. Triage- The act of separating rescued victims to facilitate uniform
medical assistance.
112. Vapor Density- The weight of the volume of pure gas composed to the
weight of a volume of dry air on the same temperature and pressure.
113. Vapor Pressure- When liquid is heated in a liquid container, the
molecules in a liquid state escape to form gaseous molecules. The gas
molecules strike one another as well as the walls of the container and may
return to the liquid state; the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of
the liquid at equilibrium.
114. Vestibule- A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and
the interior parts of a house or building.
115. Vertical Shaft- An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from
floor to floor, as well as from the base to the top of the building.

47
Table 1

Extinguishment Theory

1. CLASSES OF A B C D
FIRE

General Ordinary Combustible Electrical Combustible

classification of combustible liquids circuits Metals
combustible material
material

Example of Woods, Gasoline, Home Tetanium, Sodium,

Combustible plastics, Kerosine, motor appliances, Zinc, potassium,
material rubber, oil, Benzene, Oil Electrical Magnessium, etc.
textiles, etc. products and other wires,
Hydrocarbon Electric
derivations Motors,
Telephone
switchboxes,
etc.

Primary Water Foam, CO2, Dry C)2, Dry Dry chemical i.e. 48
Extinguishing chemical, chemical, MET-L-X
agent Vaporizing agent Vaporizing
Or
Liquid
trimethoxyboroxine
(TMB)

Principle of Pemperature Oxygen Oxygen Chemical reaction

Extinguishment reduction, dilution(exclusion), dilution, inhibition, Reduce
Cooling Smothers the Smothering combustion by
down the oxygen the oxygen interrupting the
heat chemical reaction

Triangle side Heat Oxygen Oxygen All sides

involved in the
extinguishment
operation

Prohibited Extinguishing Solid stream of Water Water

Agent water

Safety precautions that must be observed during De-energize Secure proper eye
and/or before extinguishing the fire the protection
equipment
involved

49
Besides from burns, other injuries or damage that Electrical Blindness
might be encountered when fighting the fir shock

Extra protective equipment to wear when fighting the fire Eye

protection/goggles

Danferous gas generated when wrong type of extinguishing is Hydrogen

used

50
Table 2

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS DESCRIPTION

TYPE CHEMICAL CONTENTS USES DISCHARGING RANGE COLOR

TIME
(Feet)
(Seconds)

Dry chemical Monoammonium Phosphate

Potassium Bicarbonate
ABC 8-25 4-10 Red
Sodium Bicarbonate

Halon 1211 Bromochlorodiflouromethane

ABC 8-25 4-10 Yellow

Halon 1301 Bromochlorodiflouromethane

ABC 8-25 4-10 Red

51
CO2 (gas type) Carbon Dioxide

BC 8-25 4-10 Red

AFF Aqueous Film Forming Foam

ABD 8-25 4-10 Red

Pressurized Pure water

Water
A 8-25 4-10 Stainless

52