Fire is a rapid chemical reaction known as combustion that produces heat, light, smoke, and flame. It occurs when the three elements of the fire triangle—heat, fuel, and oxygen—combine in the correct proportion.
Fire is a rapid chemical reaction known as combustion that produces heat, light, smoke, and flame. It occurs when the three elements of the fire triangle—heat, fuel, and oxygen—combine in the correct proportion.
Overloaded outlets
Damaged electrical cords
Short circuits
Faulty appliances
Illegal electrical connections
These produce excessive heat that can ignite nearby combustible materials.
Candles
Gas stoves
Lighters and matches
Welding torches
When left unattended, these can easily ignite fuel sources.
Paper and cardboard
LPG and gasoline
Paints and solvents
Curtains and wooden furniture
Improper storage increases fire risk.
Unattended cooking
Improper disposal of cigarette butts
Children playing with fire
Burning of garbage
Leaving appliances plugged in
Human behavior is one of the leading causes of fire incidents.
Lightning
Extreme heat and drought
Volcanic activity
These can ignite dry vegetation and other combustible materials.
Examples:
Wood
Paper
Cloth
Rubber
Plastics
These fires leave ash after burning.
Examples:
Gasoline
Kerosene
Oil
Paint
Alcohol
These fires spread quickly and should not be extinguished with water.
Examples:
Live electrical equipment
Circuit breakers
Wiring systems
Appliances
The power source must be disconnected before extinguishing.
Examples:
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Aluminum powder
These require special extinguishing agents.
Examples:
Grease fires
Deep fryer fires
Burning cooking oil
Common in kitchens and food establishments.
Burns and injuries
Loss of life
Smoke inhalation
Emotional and psychological trauma
Destruction of homes and buildings
Damage to appliances and equipment
Loss of important documents
Air pollution
Water contamination from fire residues
Destruction of plants and animals
Avoid overloading electrical outlets
Regularly inspect electrical wiring
Store flammable materials properly
Turn off LPG tanks after use
Never leave cooking unattended
Keep matches and lighters away from children
Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Practice safe housekeeping
Knowing the causes of fire helps:
prevent fire incidents
protect lives and property
promote responsible behavior
improve emergency preparedness
Most fire incidents are preventable.
Fire safety begins with awareness, discipline, and responsible actions.