FIRE PROTECTION AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

1. Duct System
2. Pinatay mo after mo patayin sinunog mo pa
3. Ano ang ginagawa ng mga firefighter pag nagcoconduct sila ng fire prevention - fire
education
4. Para di ka mahuli na nagsusunog ng establishment ano ang gagawin mo - a. Delaying ,
[Link] release
5. Class B - gases liquids
6. Chemical Reaction - definition
7. Origin of fire in Arson
8. to hasten spread of fire - *trailer
9. ARSONIST:
10. PLANT OR SET – start the fire
11. Trailers – spread the fire easily

12. ACCELERANT - gasoline

13.
14. Chemical reaction - fire tethydron 4th element
15. Triangulation - two fixed line to the evidence to an angle
16. Heat - absorb of fire
17. gasoline belongs to which class?
A. a.A
B. b.B
C. c.C
D. d.D
12. Conduction
13. Convection
14. liable ba yung tao na sinunog yung sariling bahay?
ARSON – will destrcutio of property by means of fire
Malsicous mischief
15. Class D - metal : classes of fire? A, B. C. D kitshcen fires
1. *Arson – Malicious intent of burning

*Negligent Fire – Dahil sa kapabayaan (Imprudence or Reckless Imprudence)

*Accidental Fire – Unintentional (No criminal liability)
*Natural Fire – Fire caused by natural phenomena (No criminal liability)

22. Origin of Fire – Where the fire started (Fingerprint of Fire)

- Charring – degree of exposure of a certain object to the fire.
- Alligatoring – cracks
- Spalling – dusting
- Crazing
23. Prima Facie Evidence of Arson – Preliminary evidence that would speak
1. Presence of accelerant
2. Simultaneous burning of different location of the building
3. Insurance
24. Chemical Reaction – Fire tetrahedron 4 th element
25. Fire Tetrahedron (Fuel, Heat, Oxygen, Chemical Reaction)
Chemical Reaction – Combustion, oxidation, and pyrolysis
2. Electro Wave- Radiation
-Transfer of Heat
Conduction – contact of heat to another material (direct contact)
Convection – Flashover, heat transfer by the movement of liquids or gasses.
Radiation-heat transfer by electromagnetic waves
3. Class A (Ashes) – ordinary solid materials such as wood, paper, fabrics, etc.
4. Class B (Boiling point) – flammable gases or liquids
5. Class C (Current) – electrical appliances
6. Class D (Ding) – metal fire
7. Class K/E (Kitchen) - flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, etc.; also creates violent reaction
8. Methods of Extinguishment
- Cooling/Quenching – Heat absorption
- Separation – Removal of the fuel
- Smothering – expelling oxygen
9. Green Fire Extinguisher
10. AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Foam
*Water – 94%
*Foam – 6%

RELATED LAWS
RA 6975- DILG ACT OF 1990
Created the Bureau of Fire Protection of the Philippines
PD1185
The Old Fire Code of the Philippines.
RA 9514
Known as the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines.
PD 1096
Known as the Building Code of the Philippines.
RA 6541
The Old National Building Code of the Philippines.
RA 9263
BFP and BJMP Professionalization Act of 2004.

TECHNOLOGY
The branch of knowledge that deals with industrial arts and sciences.
The application of such knowledge that is used to produce the material necessity of society.
FIRE
Rapid-self sustaining oxidation process accompanied by the evolution of heat and light of varying intensity.
An active chemical reaction that takes place between fuel, heat and oxygen.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY
Study of the organization and function of fire prevention and suppressing techniques, fire behavior,
combustible materials, extinguishing agents, hazardous toxic materials, fire protection techniques and systems
and fire command and fire management.
CHEMISTRY OF FIRE
Science that deals with the composition and structure of fire and the changes it undergoes.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FIRE

SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The ratio of the weight of a solid or substance to the weight of an equal volume of water.
VAPOR DENSITY
The weight of volume of pure gas compared to weight of a volume of dry air at the same temperature and
pressure.
VAPOR PRESSURE
The force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at the equilibrium.
TEMPERATURE
Measure of the thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given substance.
The measure of the molecular activity within the substance.
BOILING POINT
The constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
IGNITION TEMPERATURE
The minimum temperature to which the substance in the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self-
contained combustion without addition of heat from outside sources.
FIRE POINT
The temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning.
FLASH POINT
The temperature at which the materials is not hot enough to keep burning, but still gives off enough vapors to
cause a flame across the surface.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FIRE

ENDOTHERMIC REACTION
Changes whereby energy is absorbed or added before the reaction takes place.
EXOTHERMIC REACTION
Changes that releases or give off energy.
OXIDATION
A chemical change in which combustible material and an oxidizing material react.
FLAME
The manifestation of fire is in its gas-phased combustion.
ELEMENTS OF THE FIRE TRIANGLE
FUEL
Anything that will burn when heated with sufficient oxygen.
OXYGEN
Aids in combustion.
Comes from the atmosphere we breath.
The atmosphere contains 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% impurities.
HEAT
Source of ignition.
Responsible for the spread of fire.
Direct cause of burns, dehydration, heat exhaustion & injury to the respiratory tract & destruction of property.
Moves rapidly by convection and can spread laterally along the ceiling.
FIRE TETRAHEDRON
TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE
A geometric representation of what is required for the fire to exist, namely, fuel, an oxidizing agent, heat, and
an uninhibited chemical reaction.
It consists of Oxygen, Fuel, Heat, and Self Sustained Chemical Reaction.
Remove one combustion will not occur.
If ignition has already occurred, the fire is extinguished when one of the components is removed from the
reaction.
OXYGEN
Oxidizing agent
A colorless, odorless gas and one of the compositions of air.
OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS
12% no fire.
14% flash point.
21% fire point.
FUEL
The material or substance being oxidized or burned in the combustion process.
It can be in solid, liquid, and gas phase.

HEAT
The energy component of the fire tetrahedron.
Energy possesses by a material or substance due to molecular activity
In physics, heat is transfer of energy from one part of substance to another.
When heat comes into contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion reaction.

LATENT HEAT
The amount of heat to produce a change of phase.
SUBLIMATION- solid state to gas state.
MELTING- solid to liquid state.
VAPORIZATION- liquid to gas state.
SOLIDIFICATION- liquid to solid state.
DEPOSITION- gas to solid state.
CONDENSATION- gas to liquid.

MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER

CONDUCTION
Heat transfer within solids or between contacting solids.
CONVECTION
Heat transfer by the movement of liquids or gases.
RADIATION
Heat transfer by electromagnetic waves.

TYPES OF ENERGY
CHEMICAL ENERGY
Most common source of heat.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY
Can generate temperature high enough to ignite any combustible material in the heated area.
COMPRESSED GAS
When a gas is compressed its molecular activity is greatly increased producing heat.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Generated when atoms either fusion or fission.
MECHANICAL ENERGY
Energy created by friction or compression.
HEAT FRICTION- movement of two surfaces against each other, thus producing sparks.
HEAT COMPRESSION- heat is generated when a gas is compressed in a container or a cylinder.

SELF-SUSTAINED CHEMICAL REACTION

COMBUSTION- CHEMICAL REACTION
Complex reaction that requires a fuel, an oxidizer, and heat energy to come together in a very specific way.

CHAIN REACTION
Series of actions that occur in sequence with the result of each individual reaction being added to the rest.
PYROLYSIS
Thermal decomposition
Chemical decomposition of matter through the action of heat.
Solid state to vapor state.
With all elements of the fire present, combustion takes place.
Before a fuel will burn, it must be changed to its vapor state.
This change usually results from the initial application of heat known as pyrolysis.
COMBUSTION
When vapor mixes sufficiently with air and heated to high temperature.
Self-sustaining chemical reaction producing energy or products that cause more reactions producing energy or
products that more reactions of the same kind.
Commonly known as burning.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
A combustible materials generates or produces heat because of the internal chemical action and eventually
ignites without any exposure to external sources of fire, spark or abnormal heat.
FLAME
The luminous body of a burning gas.
Manifestation of fire.

FLAME CONTACT
Heat may be conducted from one body to another by direct flame contact.

TYPES OF FLAME
BASED ON COLOR AND COMPLETENESS OF COMBUSTION
LUMINOUS FLAME
Orange-red and has a low temperature.
NON-LUMINOUS FLAME
Blue and has a high temperature.
BASED ON FUEL AND AIR MIXTURE
PREMIXED FLAME
Exemplified by a Bunsen-type laboratory burner where hydrocarbon is thoroughly mixed with air before
reaching the flame zone.
DIFFUSION FLAME
Fuel alone is forced through a nozzle into the atmosphere which diffuses in the surrounding atmosphere.

DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE
IGNITION
Period when the four elements of the fire tetrahedron come together and combustion begins.
GROWTH
A fire plume begins to form above the burning fuel.
FLASHOVER
The transition between the growth and the fully developed fire stages.
FULLY DEVELOPED
When all combustible materials in the compartment are involved in fire.
DECAY
As the fire consumes the available fuel in the compartment, the rate of heat released begins to decline.

THREE PHASES OF FIRE

INCIPIENT PHASE
Initial stage of fire.
Normal room temperature.
Oxygen plentiful.
Thermal updraft rise accumulates at higher point.
Temperature at 1000 F.
Producing CO2, CO, SO2, water and other gases.
FREE BURNING PHASE
A phase of burning in which materials or structures are burning in the presence of adequate oxygen.
Fire has involved more fuel.
Oxygen supply has depleted.
Heat accumulates at upper area.
Temperature exceeds 1330 F.
Area is fully involved.
SMOLDERING PHASE
Final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smoke and heat completely fill the confined room.

FIRE BEHAVIOR
THERMAL BALANCE
Rising movement of the fire or fire pattern.
The pattern is undisturbed.
Abnormal movement of fire due to the interference of foreign matters.

DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR OF FIRE

BACKDRAFT
Sudden and rapid violent burning of heated gas.
Most deadly.
A sudden introduction of air into a closed space containing an oxygen-starved superheated product of
incomplete combustion or oxygen-deficient free radicals, may result to an explosion.
FLASHOVER
Happened when there is sudden ignition.
Flashover is a thermally-driven event during which every combustible surface exposed to thermal radiation in a
compartment or enclosed space rapidly and simultaneously ignites.
FLASHFIRE
Also called as Dust Explosion.
When the metal post that is completely covered with dust is going to be hit by lightning.

FIRE EXTINGUISER
Mechanical device usually made of metal containing chemicals, fluids, gasses for stopping fires.

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

H20 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Filled with water.
Use for Class A and B fires.
LIQUEFIED FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Contain carbon monoxide gas.
Use for Class A, B, and C fires.
DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER
Contain chemical powder.
Proposed to fight all classes of fires.
FOAM EXTINGUISHER
Contains sodium bicarbonate.
SODA-ACID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Filled with sodium bicarbonate with water.
VAPORIZING LIQUID FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Usually used in fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Effective against burning liquids and fires in live electrical equipment.
Mainly used in Class C fires.
DRY CHEMICAL
Mixtures of powders and various additives that improve the storage.
Commonly used in inhibiting the chain reaction.
TWO TYPES OF DRY CHEMICAL
MULTI-PURPOSE DRY CHEMICAL
Refers to powders used on Class A, B, and C fires.

AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM- AFFF

Has the ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent Flashback.
Designed to use with fresh water at a 6% mixture.
Generally used in Class B Fires and may be applied also to Class A but less effective.
HALONS
Generic term for halogenated hydrocarbons.
Halogenated agents are effective on Class B and C fires.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
Based on Source

NATURAL FIRE/PROVIDENTIAL
Involves fire without direct human intervention.
ACCIDENTAL FIRE
Human failure or negligence.
INTENTIONAL FIRE/INCENDIARY
One deliberately set under circumstances in which the person knows that the fire should not be set.
UNDETERMINED
Whenever the cause cannot be proven.

Based on burning fuels

CLASS A
Ordinary solid materials such as wood, paper, fabrics, etc.
Indicated by deep cited fire, leaves ashes, and embers after burning.
CLASS B
Flammable liquids such as gasoline, lube oil, kerosene, paint thinner, etc.
CLASS C
Electrical appliances causes electric shock.
CLASS D
Metal fire such as magnesium and sodium.
Creates violent reaction.
CLASS E
Flammable gases such as LPG, NPG, etc.
Also creates violent reaction.

CLASSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM & EUROPE

A- ordinary combustibles.
B- flammable or flammable liquids.
C- flammable gases.
D- combustible metals.
E- no longer existing in Europe.
F- cooking oils and fats.
FIRE CLASSES IN AUSRALIA AND ASIA
A- everyday combustibles.
B- combustible or combustible liquids.
C- combustible gases.
D- combustible metals.
E- electrical equipment.
F- cooking oils and fats.
FIRE CLASSES IN THE USA
A- regular combustibles.
B- flammable liquids and gasses.
C- electrical appliances.
D- combustible metals.
K- cooking oils and fats.
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT- EXTINGUISHING AGENT
CLASS A
Water
CLASS B
Foam or carbon dioxide
CLASS C
Carbon dioxide or powder
CLASS D
Special powder
CLASS E
All agents

METHODS OF EXTINGUISHMENT
COOLING
Heat absorption.
SEPARATING
The removal of the fuel.
SMOTHERING
By expelling oxygen.

Exposures.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN EXTINGUISHMENT
Time
Weather
Fire
Occupancy
Ventilation

TYPES OF VENTILATION
VERTICAL VENTILATION
Must be worked from the top to bottom.
CROSS/HORIZONTAL VENTILATION
Used if gases have not reach the higher level through the opening of the windows.
MECHANICAL FORCE VENTILATION
BASIC TACTICS IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT
RESCUE
Any action taken by the firefighters to remove occupants from building to safety place.
OVERHAUL
A complete and detailed checked of the structures and materials involved in the fire to make sure that every
spark and ember has been extinguished.
SALVAGE
Preventing excessive damage by fire.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE DETECTOR
SMOKE DETECTOR
Designed to react and activate the alarm when little amount of products of combustion go into their sensors.
Smoke detectors are attached to the ceiling or wall in several areas of the home.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Network of pipes installed to nozzles directly from the ceiling.
IONIZATION DETECTOR
Uses a radioactive source to transform the air inside into a conductor of electric current.
PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTOR
Consist of a projected light beam to cover large areas or reflected beam or spot type detector to cover small
areas.

ARSON INVESTIGATIVE GUIDE AND PROCEDURES

PD 1613
Law on Arson in the Philippines.
ARSON
The willful and malicious burning of all kinds of buildings and structures including personal properties.
The crime of maliciously and intentionally, or reckless, starting on a fire or causing an explosion.
Greek word “Arsio” which means “to burn”.
ELEMENTS OF ARSON
Actual burning took place.
Actual burning is done with malicious intent.
The actual burning is done by person/s legally and criminally liable.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ARSON
BURNING
To constitute burning, pyrolysis must takes place.
WILLFULNESS
Done intentionally.
MALICE
Denotes hatred or ill will.
MOTIVE
Moving power which induces the crime.
INTENT
Purpose or design which the act is done.

STAGES IN THE COMMISSION OF ARSON

ATTEMPTED ARSON
A person intending to burn a wooden structure he is discovered by another who trailed him away.
FRUSTRATED ARSON
There is no attempted arson.
CONSUMMATED ARSON
Before the fire was put out, part of the building was burned.
Mere charring of the wooden material constitutes consummated arson.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1613
LAWS ON ARSON
WHO COMMITS ARSON
Anyone who burns or sets fire to the property of another.
Anyone who sets fire to his own property under circumstances which expose to danger the life or property of
another.
DESTRUCTIVE ARSON
PENALTY: Reclusion Temporal maximum to Reclusion Perpetua.
Ammunition and explosives factory
Museum
Church or place of worship
Train, aircraft, or vessel
OTHER CASES OF ARSON
Government offices
Inhabited house or dwelling
Industrial establishment
Plantation
Rice mills and other mills
Any railway or bus station
SPECIAL AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
With intent to gain.
For the benefit of another.
Motivated by spite or hatred.
Committed by as syndicate.
Committed by a band.
PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF ARSON
Fire started simultaneously in more than one part of the building.
Substantial amount of flammable substances is stored within the building.
Chemicals .
To establish the prima facie evidence of arson, the total insurance carried on the building and/or goals is more
than 80% of the value of such building and/or goods at the time of the fire.

METHODS OF PROOF IN ARSON

CORPUS DELICTI
Burning.
Criminal design.
Evidence of intent.
FIRE PATTERNS
LINES OR AREAS OF DEMARCATION
Borders defining the differences in certain heat and smoke effects.
SURFACE EFFECT
The nature and material of the surface that contains the fire pattern will have a bearing on the shape and
nature of the pattern itself.

FIRE LANGUAGE
ALLIGATORING
Large scales indicate rapid intense heat.
The charring wood looks like an alligator skin, the larger skin blisters, the rapid the intense.
CALCINATIONS
Changes that occur during a fire in either plaster or gypsum wall surfaces.
It includes the elimination of water from gypsum to charring the paper surface off the wall board.
CLEAN BURN
Fire pattern on surfaces where soot has been burned away.
CRAZING
Cracking of glass into smaller segments of subdivisions in an irregular pattern.
DEPTH OF CHAR
Indicates the length of time that a wooden structural member was exposed to flame.
CHARRING
Exposure of elevated temperatures in which a material undergoes chemical decomposition.
FUSION
Change in formation of metals, glass or plastic.
SPALLING
The breakdown in tensile strength of concrete or brick.
Accompanied by color change.
Sometimes it causes chipping.
SMOKE
SMOKE
Mixture of O2, N2, CO2,CO finely divided particles liquid fuels gives off dense, black smoke.
MEANING OF COLOR OF SMOKE AND FLAME
WHITE SMOKE/YELLOW FLAME
Humid material things.
BITING SMOKE
Presence of chlorine.
BLACK SMOKE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE FLAME
Petroleum products, rubber and plastics.
RED FLAME
Presence of petroleum.
REDDISH BROWN SMOKE
Presence of nitrocellulose sulfur, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid.
BLUE FLAME
Presence of alcohol, aldehyde and ketone.
GARLIC ODOR SMOKE
Presence of phosphorous.
HEAVY BROWN SMOKE WITH BRIGHT RED FLAME
Presence of Nitrogen products.
WHITE SMOKE WITH BRIGHT WHITE FLAME
Presence of Magnesium.
BLACK SMOKE WITH RED AND BLUE FLAME
Presence of Asphalt.
PURPLE OR LAVENDER FLAME
Presence of Potassium.
GREENISH-YELLOW FLAME
Presence of Chlorine.
BRIGHT REDDISH YELLOW FLAME
Presence of Calcium.
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE FIRE SCENE
Observe number of separate fires, intensity and rapidity of spread.
Observe odors and methods required to extinguish flames.
OBSERVING CONDITION OF BUILDING OPENINGS AT THE TIME OF A FIRE
Find out whether doors and windows are locked.
Determine condition of doors, windows, and locks.
Observing owners, occupants and bystanders at the time of a fire.
DETERMINING THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF FIRE
POINT OF ORIGIN
Location where the fire started.
First to be observed in ascertaining the cause of fire.
AREA OF ORIGIN
When fire originates over a large tract or space.
When the exact point of origin is undetermined.
MULTIPLE POINTS OF ORIGIN
When there is more than one place of beginning.
PYROMANIACS
ABNORMAL YOUTH
Epileptics, imbecile, and moron may set fire without knowing the seriousness of the act.
THE HERO TYPE
A person will set a fire, pretends to discover it and turn in the alarm so that he will appear hero to the public.
ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG ADDICTS
Under the influence of narcotics and develop strong urges towards incendiaries.
SEXUAL DEVIATES
Derived sexual stimulation from setting fire and watching the flame.
CHRONIC MASTURBATOR- enhances sexual gratification by means of arson.
PUBLIC DISTURBANCE
An offender may commit arson as a means of public disturbance.
The fire attracts the people and destruction causes confusion that gives rise to attendant problems that divert
police attention.
VANDALISM
General term denoting intentional burning to destroy properties.

FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RA 9514

DEFINITION OF TERMS
ABATEMENT
Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard.
ADMINISTRATOR
Any person who acts as agent of the owner and manages the use of a building for him.
BLASTING AGENT
Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives.
CELLULOSE NITRATE OR NITRO CELLULOSE
A highly combustible and explosive compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.
CELLULOSE NITRATE PLASTIC (PYROXYLIN)
Any plastic substance, materials or compound having cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.
COMBUSTIBLE, FLAMMABLE OR INFLAMMABLE
Descriptive of materials that are easily set on fire.
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.
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID
Any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8_C (100_F).
CORROSIVE LIQUID
Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals.
CURTAIN BOARD
A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials attached to and extending below the bottom chord
of the roof trusses, to divide the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and smoke will
be directed upwards to a roof vent.
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.
DAMPER
A normally open device installed inside an air duct system which automatically closes to restrict the passage of
smoke or fire.
DISTILLATION
The process of first raising the temperature in separate the more volatile from the less volatile parts and then
cooling and condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified substance.
DUCT SYSTEM
A continuous passageway for the transmission of air.
DUST
A finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in the proper proportion and ignited will cause an
explosion.
ELECTRICAL ARC
An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by passage of an electric current across a space between two
conductors or terminals due to the incandescence of the conducting vapor.
EMBER
A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned, and is still oxidizing without the
manifestation of flames.
FINISHES
Materials used as final coating of a surface for ornamental or protective purposes.
FIRE
The active principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of combustion.
FIRE TRAP
A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.
FIRE ALARM
Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to warn 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 life
and property and to suppress the fire.
FIRE DOOR
A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls or partitions.
FIRE HAZARD
Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or
which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with fire fighting operations and the safeguarding of life and
property.
FIRE LANE
The portion of a roadway or public way that should be kept opened and unobstructed at all times for the
expedient operation of fire fighting units.
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
system such as sprinklers 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 may be put on or worn by persons to protect
themselves during fire.
FIRE SAFETY CONSTRUCTIONS
Refers to design and installation of walls, barriers, doors, windows, vents, means of egress, etc. integral to and
incorporated into a building or structure in order to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic
before the building is evacuated.
FLASH POINT
The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable
mixture with air.
FORCING
A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape or dimensions.
FULMINATE
A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by percussion.
HAZARDOUS OPERATION/PROCESS
Any act of manufacturing, fabrication, conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely to
cause fires or explosions.
HORIZONTAL EXIT
Passageway from one building to another or through or around a wall in approximately the same floor level.
HOSE BOX
A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are stored and arranged for fire fighting.
HOSE REEL
A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is wound and connected.
HYPERGOLIC FUEL
A rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations of fuels and oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on
contact with each other.
INDUSTRIAL BAKING 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 form a uniform glazing the surface of materials being treated.
JUMPER
A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety device in an electrical system.
OCCUPANCY
The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be used.
OCCUPANT
Any person actually occupying and using a building or portions thereof by virtue of a lease contract with the
owner or administrator or by permission or sufferance of the latter.
ORGANIC PEROXIDE
A strong oxidizing organic compound which releases oxygen readily. It causes fire when in contact with
combustible materials especially under conditions of high temperature.
OVERLOADING
The use of one or more electrical appliances or devices which draw or consume electrical current beyond the
designed capacity of the existing electrical system.
OWNER
The person who holds the legal right of possession or title to a building or real property.
OXIDIZING MATERIAL
A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.
PRESSURIZED OR FORCED DRAFT BURNING EQUIPMENT
Type or 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 atmosphere pressure into the
same combustion chamber.
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY BUILDING
Any building or structure where fifty (50) or more people congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose.
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.
PYROPHORIC
Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air.
REFINING
A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials are removed from a mixture in order to produce a pure
element of compound. It shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
SELF-CLOSING DOORS
Automatic closing doors that are designed to confine smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire.
SMELTING
Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to separate impurities from pure metals.
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.
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.
VESTIBULE
A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and the interior parts of a house or building.
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.
FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS
PRE-FIRE PLANNING
Defining course of actions.
EVALUATION-SIZE-UP
Process of knowing the emergency situation.
EVACUATION
Transferring people and livestock to safety areas.
ENTRY
Accessing the burning structure.
RESCUE
Saving people and other livestock.
EXPOSURE
Securing other buildings to avoid spread.
CONFINEMENT
Restricting the fire at the place where it started.
VENTILATION
Conducted to displace toxic gases.
SALVAGE
Protecting the properties from preventable damage other than the fire.
ENTINGUISHMENT
Process of putting out the main body of the fire.
OVERHAUL
Detailed and complete check of the structure and all materials to eliminate conditions of re-flash.

BFP STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Municipal Fire Marshal -Level I- Through its Municipal Investigation and Intelligence Unit shall have the full
responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a total amount of damage not exceeding to twenty
million pesos.
City Fire Marshal -Level II- Through its City Investigation and Intelligence Branch shall have the full
responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a total amount of damage not exceeding to thirty
million pesos.
District Fire Marshal Level -III- Through its District Investigation and Intelligence Branch shall have the full
responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above Thirty Million
Pesos, but not exceeding to forty million pesos.
Provincial Fire Marshal -Level III- Through its Provincial Investigation and Intelligence Branch shall have the
full responsibility and power to investigate fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above thirty million
pesos but not exceeding to forty million pesos.
Regional Director for Fire Protection -Level IV – through its RIIB shall have the full responsibility and power
to investigate fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above forty million pesos, but not exceeding to
sixty million pesos.
Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection – National level – Through its IID shall have the full responsibility and
power to investigate fire incidents with a total damages amounting to above sixty million pesos.

FIRE INVESTIGATION
Special Challengers in the Arson Investigation
Coordinating efforts with other agencies.
Determining whether a crime has in fact been committed.
Finding physical evidence, most of which is destroyed by the fire.
Finding witnesses.
Determining whether the victim is a suspect.
Firemen’s Role in Investigation
Information that can be Obtained from Firemen
Information attainable prior to the arrival at the scene (time of call, name of caller, time of alarm, and date, time
and place of occurrence).
Information available to firemen at the scene (nature of occupancy, no. of casualties and wounded, house of
origin, etc.).
Information available during overhaul (identities of casualties, possible cause of fire)
Searching the Fire Scene
To locate, identify, record, collect and preserve evidence.
To determine the cause of fire.
To provide evidence for the guilt of arsonist ( in case of intentional fire) .
Steps in Searching
Conduct Outside Survey.
Conduct Internal Survey.
Locate the Point of Origin.
Search Evidence at the Point of Origin.

Fire Arson Investigation Team (BFP Manual)

Team Leader - assumes overall control of the fire scene.
Lead Fire Arson Investigator - coordinates with the Team Leader regarding appropriate investigation
approach.
Fire Scene Photographer - photographs the fire scene prior entry of the investigation team and during walk-
through.
Fire Scene Sketch Preparer - diagrams and illustrates the immediate area of the fire scene.
Team Security Personnel - ensures the overall security/safety of the investigating team.
Evidence Recovery Personnel and Custodian - conducts actual exhaustive search of probable pieces of
evidence with the direct guidance of the Team Leader and Lead FAI at the fire scene.
Determining the Cause of the Fire
Identify the parts of the house that became part of fire triangle.
Look for combustible materials.
Identify source of ignition.
Determine how these element have met to produce fire.
FIRE INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITY
FIREFIGHTER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Observe the elements of fire.
Observe persons and automobiles.
Observe color of smoke and flame.
Color of the smoke is a reliable indicator of the type of fire to be extinguished.
Color of the flame and color of the smoke indicates the substances burning.