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What is Fire?
Fire is a chemical reaction that produces heat and light called combustion.
For combustion to occur, HEAT, FUEL and OXYGEN are necessary in the correct proportion. This is often referred to as the fire triangle.
Combustion will continue as
long as these factors are
present. However, removal
of any one of these factors
leads to the collapse of
the triangle and combustion will stop.
How does fire spread?
Heat travels from areas of high temperature to areas of lower temperatures. This is true no matter how small the temperature difference. There are three methods by which heat is transferred.
Heat travels from areas of high temperature to areas of lower temperatures. This is true no matter how small the temperature difference. There are three methods by which heat is transferred.
- Convention - Heat spreading from a lower level to a higher level, e.g. floor to ceiling or up a stairwell.
- Conduction - Heat transfer through a solid object or liquid. Metals are very good conductors of heat.
- Radiation - Heat travelling through an open space.
Materials may be ignited when placed too close to a source of radiated heat, eg electric heaters.
Whilst there remains the correct proportion of oxygen and fuel available, the fire will continue to spread.
In general, there is usually an adequate supply of oxygen available for a fire to occur, so from a fire prevention point of view, it is important that the fuel and heat supplies are kept apart or controlled.
