Fire - Facts and Information

pprotocall911
Jan 22, 2022
3 min read

A fire incident is defined as an event involving heat, smoke, and flames creating damage to infrastructures. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported over 12,829 fire incidents in 2021. To prevent such events, BFP urges the public to be aware of the leading causes of fire in the Philippines.

Fire Triangle

The fire triangle, also known as the combustion triangle, refers to the three elements required to start and sustain a fire. Heat, fuel, and oxygen are the three components of a fire triangle.

If just one of these components is removed, the fire triangle collapses and the fire goes out.

1. Heat

In order for ignition to occur, a source of heat is required, and different materials have different "flash points", or the lowest temperature at which they ignite.

Unfortunately, combustion reactions generate heat as they burn, raising the temperature of the fuel even higher. Water can be used to cool the heat from certain types of fires.

2. Fuel

A fire cannot start if there is nothing to burn. Paper, oil, wood, and fabrics are all flammable materials in homes and businesses. Any of these can be used to start a fire.

Some materials burn faster than others. Fuels are probably the most difficult side of the fire triangle to remove, so store them properly to avoid becoming a fire hazard.

3. Oxygen

Oxygen (or an oxidizing agent) is required to sustain the combustion reaction because it reacts with the burning fuel to produce heat and CO2. Because the Earth's atmosphere is composed of 21% oxygen, there is plenty available to start a fire if the other two components are present.

Fire blankets and fire extinguishers remove the oxygen 'side' of the triangle by removing or displacing it, resulting in suffocation and the termination of the combustion reaction.

What is the Most Common Cause of Fires in the Philippines?

1. Electrical Connection

By far the most common cause of fire in the Philippines is faulty electrical connections.

This issue can be caused by old wiring, improper connections, or, in some cases, an overload. This is why it's critical to inspect your home's electrical connections on a regular basis. One popular improper practice is called octopus connections. It is when you plugged several devices into a wall socket or use multiple extension cords excessively, which can result in overheating or an electrical overload.

2. Lit Cigarette Butts

Families with smokers should be especially cautious when disposing of cigarette butts. That's because people sometimes fail to properly extinguish a cigarette, allowing it to catch fire in a trash can or somewhere else.

It is critical to always ensure that the cigarette butt is completely extinguished before disposing of it. Alternatively, you could simply stop smoking. Smoking is a bad habit because it causes a lot of diseases and can also cause a lot of problems for those around you due to second-hand smoke.

3. Open flame

The third most common cause of house fires in the Philippines is open flames from unattended candles and stoves.

Due to often cases of brownouts, it is a common practice of Filipinos to use candles as an alternative light, but it is also a common cause of starting a fire incident. Make sure to place it away from flammable materials and place it in a candle holder to prevent it from stumbling.

It is critical never to leave an open stove unattended when and after cooking. Also, after using it make sure to turn off the main gas supply or the LPG. This can help to prevent any gas explosions or open flames that can start a house fire. It’s also a good idea to have smoke alarms in every room and fire extinguishers.

Other common causes of fires

- Flammable Chemicals

Many highly flammable products are left around the house, such as fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives, paints, and other raw materials that can ignite or explode if stored improperly. One good example is the LPG, make sure to check its condition regularly.

- Overcharging Devices

People should avoid charging their devices unattended, especially overnight. It's not uncommon to hear about phones or tablets exploding or bursting into flames. While you're sleeping, a battery may explode due to overcharging and set fire to your house.

Also, use only original batteries and chargers. Many substandard batteries lack the fuse that disconnects the circuit in the event of battery overheating.

Avoid leaving your device in hot places, especially if it is charging. It only exacerbates the problem of overheating. Temperatures in the environment have a significant impact on batteries.

- Dried Leaves

Keep in mind to clean the areas in and around your home on a regular basis. Dried leaves, wood shavings, and other flammable materials should be disposed of immediately.