SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE of SINDANGAN INCORPORATED
National Highway, Poblacion, Sindangan,
Zamboanga del Norte, 7112 Philippines
Senior High School Department
DISASTER READINESS AND RISK REDUCTION
Activity No.: 15
Activity Title: Fire and Fire Triangle
Learning Target: At the end of the lesson, the students CAN:
1. Recognize elements of the fire triangle in different situations.
1.1. State the positive and negative effects of fire;
1.2. Define and identify the components of the fire triangle; and
1.3. Analyze different causes of fire.
Reference: 1. De Guzman, Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction
2. Oliva, [Link]., (2016) Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction,
Value (s): Love of life and Nature: Responsible/Accountable, awareness,
cooperation
Time Duration: 4 hours
Week: 16th
Acquired Prior Knowledge:
Have you been in a fire incident?
What did you do?
Introduction:
Fires can be devastating. They lead to property loss, injuries, environmental
damage, and sometimes fatalities. It is therefore essential that everyone has
safety knowledge in the prevention of fires and preparedness in dealing with them.
In this module, you will recognize and identify elements of the fire triangle in
different situations, it explained the different causes of fires, determine the various
degrees of burns, it discussed the precautionary measures and proper procedures
in addressing a fire incident and how to response procedures during a fire incident.
I. Essential Ideas
Fire - is the process of rapid oxidation of any material resulting in burning.
Oxidation means that oxygen molecules interact with different substances in the
environment, making it unstable and thus creating a reaction. When burning
happens, heat, light, and other reaction products are released.
Fire triangle- is a model that shows the three essential components that when
present together can start a fire and sustain it—fuel, heat, and oxygen.
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[Link] – Fire needs a fuel source or combustible material in order to burn. Fuel
comes in different forms: solid (e.g., wood, paper, plastic), liquid (e.g., gasoline,
kerosene, acetone), and gas (e.g., methane, propane, acetylene). Different types
of fuel burn at different rates.
2. Heat – This is needed to start and continue the combustion process.
Combustion - happens when flammable vapor mix with air (oxygen) and is ignited
by a spark or flame. In essence, when the ignition temperature (heat) of the fuel
(any material) is reached, combustion reaction happens. This is because the
energy stored in that material reacts with the oxygen that is present in the air,
giving off heat.
Solid combustible materials ignite immediately because they instantly
give off vapor and readily reach their ignition or flammable temperature.
Solids may take time to ignite because of their density such that the
flammable vapors do not get released fast.
Liquid fuels- give off flammable vapor even in cold temperatures. Hence,
fire may still be produced even in temperatures below 0°C. Petrol is an
example of a liquid fuel that can be ignited at 43°C below 0
3. Oxygen – This constitutes about 21% of the air around us. Oxygen reacts with
flammable vapors given off by fuels, and the reaction releases heat. The
magnitude of the fire, whether it is going to be explosive or flammable, depends on
the ratio between the oxygen and fuel.
Fire hazards can happen anywhere because all the three components are
present everywhere. Fire will not cease until one or more of the components are
removed.
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The Spread of Fire
THE STAGES OF FIRE
There are four stages of fire, including:
1. Ignition: At this stage, a fire extinguisher can control the fire.
2. Growth: Additional fuel ignites, causing the size of the fire to
increase.
3. Fully developed: This is when temperatures reach their peak,
causing damage.
4. Burnout: The fire gets less intense.
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Causes of Fire
There are two causes of fire:
1. natural
2. man-made.
1. Natural fire- are those that result from natural hazards such as lightning and
volcanic activities.
Lightning -triggers fire because it carries with it a large amount of energy
that can induce ignition temperature changes in the material (fuel) that it
comes in contact with. So, when lightning strikes, say on a hut or grass, the
ignition temperature of the hut or grass is suddenly reached, causing
combustion to take place at once.
Volcanic eruptions - Fire can be generated by the objects that get burned
along the path of lava or by ejected pyroclastic materials from a volcano.
When these objects come in contact with combustible materials, such as
plants, fire can happen. Similarly, when there is land movement due to
seismic activities, damaged power lines or power circuits may ignite a fire.
2. Man-made fires -those caused by human or machine errors.
Here are some examples:
• Electrical wirings. Faulty wiring, short circuits, overloaded circuits, and loose
wiring connections may induce fire in any structure or building. To prevent
electrical fires, avoid overloading the circuits and overheating electrical
appliances; check electrical cords and replace old, worn wirings; and get an
electrical engineer or licensed electrician to check your electrical wirings and
connections, especially if you detect any electrical malfunction.
• Unattended ignition sources. A lighted candle, an improvised gas lamp, a
cooking stove, and other sources of ignition which are left unattended may topple
and/or burn nearby flammable objects. Never leave an open flame unattended,
and keep combustibles away from it to prevent fire.
• Cigarettes. Cigarette butts that are not properly put out and are thrown
carelessly can spark a fire. The glowing ember from a discarded cigarette can
come in contact with a flammable material and cause fire. Careless smoking such
as falling asleep at night with a lit cigarette can also start a fire. To prevent
creating fire, make sure that the cigarette is fully extinguished before throwing it.
If you see someone carelessly dispose of a cigarette, kindly call his or her attention
to put out the cigarette properly.
• Chemicals at home. Many hazardous and flammable substances can be found
at home. Pesticides, lighter fluids, gasoline, thinners, spray paints, kerosene, dry
cleaning agents, paint solvents, and nail polish are flammable liquids that are used
for a wide variety of purposes in the household.
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These substances contain chemicals that when mixed with air will give off
vapor that can ignite and burn when an ignition source is present. Flammable
liquids should be kept closed and stored in proper containers. Do not store
flammable liquids in the same cabinets with other dangerous substances because
they can react violently. Make sure they are kept away from any ignition source
and away from children.
• Gasoline leaks from vehicles. A gasoline (fuel) leak from a vehicle is likely
caused by corrosion, a worn-out seal or gasket, or a broken fuel injector. A leak
from the tank, engine, fuel pump, or motor compartment can be dangerous
because these places get very hot. With enough heat and gas, along with the
oxygen in the air, one spark can ignite the gas and start a fire. One indicator of an
imminent car explosion is the release of a strong gas smell where gas is leaking. If
you detect a strong gas odor, immediately take your car to an auto repair shop and
have it checked and repaired by a professional mechanic.
Fires are classified into five groups, including:
Class A fires: consist of ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, trash
and plastics.
Class B fires: are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids, such as grease, oil
and gasoline.
Class C fires: are also known as energized electrical fires. These fires involve
electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers and appliances.
Class D fires: comprise of combustible metal fires, involving metals such as
potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium.
Class K fires: involve cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats
CLASSIFICATION OF BURNS
Burns -are tissue injuries caused by heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. They
can cause pain, swelling, blistering, scarring, and, in severe cases, even death.
Burns can also lead to infections because the damaged skin can no longer act as a
barrier against harmful microorganisms
Burns are classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree, depending on
how deep and severe they penetrate the skin’s surface.
Classification of burns according to depth: (a) first-degree burn, (b), second-degree
burn, and (c) third-degree burn
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• First-degree Burns.
A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin called the
epidermis. Because the damage is slight, the person is still able to function well
with tolerable pain. The area that is burned is red and dry without any blisters.
There is change in color of the skin to some extent (see figure below).
• Second-degree Burns.
The depth of burn has reached into the dermis in this degree. Because of the
severity, this part of the skin may not function anymore. Blisters are usually the
first sign of second-degree burns. The fluid beneath the skin spreads until the
epidermis falls away, opening the dermis to the outside environment. When this
happens, the function of the skin to retain fluid and heat, and block infection, no
longer happens. Burns also can reach nerve endings, which is why second-degree
burns are painful
( see figure below).
• Third-degree Burns. Here, the epidermis, dermis, and even the underlying fat
tissue are damaged. This is the most serious burn. The muscle and even the bone
may be affected. Aside from the loss of function of the skin in terms of protection,
and fluid and heat retention, many nerve cells die such that the victim may no
longer feel anything. The burnt area of the skin may appear white or charred (see
figure below).
Example of first-degree Presence of blisters on Burnt tissues of a
Burn from sunburn second-degree burns third degree burn
Basic Response Procedures during Fire Incidents
When there is a fire breakout, two hazards need to be dealt with: fire and
smoke. In most cases, smoke is the primary cause of fatalities due to suffocation.
A thick smoke makes escape difficult not only because it covers the pathway; it
also irritates the eye and disrupts breathing.
Here are some tips on what you can do in case of building fires:
1. Find an area where smoke has not yet reached. If there is a lot of smoke, stay
low and crawl on your hands and knees. Smoke naturally rises or tends to fill the
topmost portion of an enclosed area.
2. Do not panic as this will keep you disoriented and make you lose your focus.
3. Evacuate the area or room by going to the nearest exit. If you are not familiar
with the building’s layout, follow the arrows or directions that lead to the exit.
4. While evacuating the room, leave it closed to prevent the entry of smoke. Do
not lock the door to allow others to escape in the same route or passage.
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5. If you can, assist people with special needs, but do not carry them downstairs.
Going down with a load may impede an immediate escape. Notify emergency
personnel if you know or suspect someone is still inside the building
6. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs to get out of the building.
7. Do not attempt to go back inside the building until it has been declared safe by
the fire department.
If your clothes catch fire
1. Do not panic or run.
2. Do the stop, drop, and roll method. Stop immediately or stay where you are.
Running will make the fire worse as the fire will grow with added oxygen. Drop to
the ground and cover you face with your hands. Then roll over back and forth until
the fire has been put out.
In assisting people who are burnt
1. Do not attempt to remove the clothing. In second- to third-degree burns,
clothes may stick to the skin, and removing the clothes may aggravate the injury
and expose the skin more to infection. If clean cotton cloth or gauze is available,
use it to carefully cover the burned area.
2. Do not attempt to treat a third-degree burn on your own. Bring the burn victim
to the hospital or call for medical assistance immediately. While help is on its way,
elevate the burned part above the level of the victim’s heart. Do not undress the
victim, and do not move clothing that was stuck to the burn.
3. Do not soak or immerse burns in cold water, apply ice or ice water, or apply any
ointment. Do not put butter or oil directly on the burned area. Do not break blisters
that form over the burn. Burns are open wounds that require aeration for faster
healing. Cold water may temporarily stop bleeding and reduce some pain, but it
can extend the damage of the burnt area. These things may cause more damage
to the burned parts.
4. Check vital signs such as breathing and blood circulation. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) might be necessary.
Fire Emergency and Evacuation Plans
The key element to a successful and effective fire emergency response plan is to
make sure it is accessible to all concerned people. Training and drills should be
conducted regularly for everyone to be familiar with the emergency procedures.
Here are some basic guidelines in preparing a fire emergency plan:
1. The contact number of government agencies such as the local fire departments
should be made known.
2. The occupants of the building should know how and where to report an
emergency. The proper authority will know how to assess the situation and address
it.
3. Occupants of the building should be made aware of emergency routes and exit
4. All operators should be reminded of safe shutdown procedures for equipment
and facilities to prevent any damage or additional hazard.
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5. All written emergency plans should always be updated, maintained, and tried
on a regular basis.
6. A building’s emergency evacuation layout plan should be posted conspicuously
to constantly remind the members of the building of the proper procedure for
emergencies
Fire Extinguisher
II. Learning Experiences
A. Clarifying Understanding
Direction: List down the positive and negative effects of fire.
PROS CONS
It gives warmth. It causes injury or even death.
It is used for cooking food. It destroys important materials.
It is used in many industrial processes. It burns down houses or forests.
It is used as a light source.
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B. Processing Questions:
1. What do you think is the importance of holding fire drills in schools and in
communities?
2. Why uncontrolled fire is a dangerous hazard to families and communities?
Explain
D. Lifelong Learning
Do you know who to contact
should there be a fire
outbreak in your area? Find
out
these important numbers,
and save them in your mobile
phone or post them near your
telephone
“Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns
it all clean.”- Maya Angelou
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What do you understand about the statement? Do you agree with the
statement?
Prepared by: Checked and Approved by:
MICHELLE H. DOMINGO REV. FR. DEMBERT CASTILLON
Subject Teacher SHS Principal
SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE of SINDANGAN INCORPORATED
National Highway, Poblacion, Sindangan,
Zamboanga del Norte, 7112 Philippines
Senior High School Department
DISASTER READINESS AND RIKS REDUCTION
Name:
Grade/Section:
Date Accomplished:
ACTIVITY SHEET 15
Fire and Fire Triangle
I. Instructions: Create a concept map about a fire hazard (bigger boxes than as
shown below) at the back and write your answers.
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Fire Hazard
Test III. Essay
1. Describe fire hazard and the fire triangle
2. Discuss the following:
a. Basic response during fire incident-
b. Tips on what you can do in case of building fires
c. If your clothes catch fires
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d. Basic guidelines in preparing a fire emergency plan.
e. The three types of burns.
Rubric from Test I - II
Category 4 3 2 1
Stays on Stays on topic Stays on topic Stays on topic It was hard to
topic All(100%) of All(99-90%) of All(89-75%) of tell what the
the time the time the time topic was
Accuracy All supportive Almost all Most supportive No facts are
of facts facts are supportive facts are reported or
reported facts are reported most are
accurately reported accurately inaccurately
accurately reported
Prepared by: Checked and Approved by:
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MICHELLE H. DOMINGO REV. FR. DEMBERT O.
CASTILLON
Subject Teacher SHS Principal
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