🔥 Lesson 10. Causes and Classifications of Fire Incidents 

🔥 What is Fire?

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.

🔥 What is Fire?

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.

🔥 Common Causes of Fire

1. Electrical Faults

• Overloaded outlets
  
  

• Damaged electrical cords
  
  

• Short circuits
  
  

• Faulty appliances
  
  

• Illegal electrical connections
  
  

These produce excessive heat that can ignite nearby combustible materials.

2. Open Flames

• Candles
  
  

• Gas stoves
  
  

• Lighters and matches
  
  

• Welding torches
  
  

When left unattended, these can easily ignite fuel sources.

3. Flammable Materials

• Paper and cardboard
  
  

• LPG and gasoline
  
  

• Paints and solvents
  
  

• Curtains and wooden furniture
  
  

Improper storage increases fire risk.

4. Negligence and Human Activities

• 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.

5. Natural Causes

• Lightning
  
  

• Extreme heat and drought
  
  

• Volcanic activity
  
  

These can ignite dry vegetation and other combustible materials.

🔥 Classification of Fires

🔹 Class A – Ordinary Combustible Materials

Examples:

• Wood
  
  

• Paper
  
  

• Cloth
  
  

• Rubber
  
  

• Plastics
  
  

These fires leave ash after burning.

🔹 Class B – Flammable Liquids

Examples:

• Gasoline
  
  

• Kerosene
  
  

• Oil
  
  

• Paint
  
  

• Alcohol
  
  

These fires spread quickly and should not be extinguished with water.

🔹 Class C – Electrical Fires

Examples:

• Live electrical equipment
  
  

• Circuit breakers
  
  

• Wiring systems
  
  

• Appliances
  
  

The power source must be disconnected before extinguishing.

🔹 Class D – Combustible Metals

Examples:

• Magnesium
  
  

• Sodium
  
  

• Potassium
  
  

• Aluminum powder
  
  

These require special extinguishing agents.

🔹 Class K – Cooking Oils and Fats

Examples:

• Grease fires
  
  

• Deep fryer fires
  
  

• Burning cooking oil
  
  

Common in kitchens and food establishments.

🔥 Effects of Fire

1. Effects on Life

• Burns and injuries
  
  

• Loss of life
  
  

• Smoke inhalation
  
  

• Emotional and psychological trauma
  
  

2. Effects on Property

• Destruction of homes and buildings
  
  

• Damage to appliances and equipment
  
  

• Loss of important documents
  
  

3. Effects on the Environment

• Air pollution
  
  

• Water contamination from fire residues
  
  

• Destruction of plants and animals

🔥 Fire Prevention Principles

• 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

🔥 Importance of Understanding Fire Causes

Knowing the causes of fire helps:

• prevent fire incidents
  
  

• protect lives and property
  
  

• promote responsible behavior
  
  

• improve emergency preparedness

🔥 Key Reminder

Most fire incidents are preventable.
Fire safety begins with awareness, discipline, and responsible actions.