Understanding the fundamentals of fire

While it is often overlooked until a crisis arises, fire safety is essential. Every year, countless lives are affected by fire incidents, leading to injuries, loss of life, and devastating property and business damage. By understanding fire safety principles and implementing preventive measures, we can safeguard ourselves, our families, and our businesses from potential disasters.

It’s important for everyone to grasp the fundamentals of fire and it’s pretty simple. Fire needs three elements to ignite and sustain: heat, fuel, and oxygen—commonly known as the "fire triangle" (which inspired the name Tri Sides).

1. Heat: This can come from various sources, including open flames, sparks, electrical equipment, or friction.

2. Fuel: Any combustible material can serve as fuel, including wood, paper, cloth, and many others. The type and quantity of fuel can influence the fire’s intensity and duration.

3. Oxygen: Fire requires oxygen to sustain combustion. In most cases, the air we breathe (which contains about 21% oxygen) provides the necessary oxygen for fire.

Eliminating any one of the three elements of the fire triangle can extinguish a fire. This principle forms the basis of fire safety training and aids in recognising and reducing fire hazards.

• Remove heat: This can be done by cooling the fire with water or other extinguishing agents.

• Remove fuel: Eliminating combustible materials from the vicinity of the fire can prevent its spread.

• Remove oxygen: Smothering the fire with a blanket or using a fire extinguisher can reduce the oxygen available for combustion.

  
  

Conclusion

Fire safety demands awareness and proactive measures. By understanding fire basics, recognising hazards, and implementing prevention strategies, we can protect ourselves, our coworkers and our business. It’s always better to be prepared than to react in an emergency!