FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

Control and Suppression of Fire

What is Suppression of Fire?

Fire suppression refers to the techniques and methods used to control and extinguish fires.
The firefighting effort requires techniques, equipment and training in firefighting, more particularly the
fire that can be found in populated areas. Fire suppression encompasses varied activities, i.e., fire
prevention, fire control, firefighting, fire protection, fire safety or any other related activities. Examples
of automatic fire suppression systems include fire sprinkler system, gaseous fire suppression, and
condensed aerosol fire suppression.

In the local setting as provided by Section 54, Chapter IV, R.A. 6975, the Bureau of Fire
Protection shall be responsible for the suppression of all destructive fires on buildings, houses and
other structures, forest, land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers,
or wharves or anchored in major seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane crashes and other
similar incidents as well as the enforcement of the Comprehensive Fire Code and other related
special laws.

Activities in Fire Suppression

The different types of fire suppression activities are as follows:

1. Fire Prevention
 Fire prevention activities are proactive measures designed to reduce the risk of fires
starting and to minimize their potential impact.
 It is intended to reduce sources of ignition and is partially focused on programs to
educate people on starting fire. Buildings, especially schools and tall buildings often
conduct fire drills to inform and prepare citizens on how to react in case of fire.
 Key fire prevention activities include:
o Public Education and Awareness (Conducting safety education programs or
seminars, distributing educational materials on fire safety practices, promoting
awareness campaigns)
o Fire Safety Inspections (Regularly inspecting buildings and facilities for fire
hazards, ensuring compliance with fire codes and regulations, checking fire
protection systems)
o Fire Drills and Emergency Planning (Conducting regular fire drills to ensure that
everyone knows how to evacuate safely. Developing and maintaining
comprehensive emergency plans for homes, businesses, and public buildings. 
Designating evacuation routes and assembly points.)
o Safe Practices in Daily Activities (Practicing safe cooking habits, such as never
leaving cooking unattended. Properly storing flammable materials and chemicals.
Using electrical appliances and heating equipment safely and maintaining them
regularly.)

2. Fire Control

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  Fire control involves measures and techniques used to limit the growth and spread of a
fire once it has started, aiming to contain and eventually extinguish it. Effective fire
control is critical in minimizing damage, protecting lives, and preserving property.
 It consists of depriving a fire of fuel, oxygen, heat or the chemical chain reaction that are
necessary to sustain or re-kindle itself.
 Structure fires may be attacked, either by “interior” or “exterior” resources, or both.
Interior crews, using the “two-in, two-out” rule, may advance hose lines inside the
building and find the fire and cool it with water. Exterior crews may direct water into
windows or other openings or against other nearby fuels exposed to the initial fire.

3. Fire Fighting
 Firefighting is the process of extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals and animals from
dangerous situations, and mitigating damage to property and the environment.
 A firefighter fights these fires to prevent destruction of life and property as well as the
environment. Fire-fighting is a highly technical profession which requires years of
training and education in order to become proficient.
 Fire-fighting services are provided in most developed areas to extinguish or contain
uncontrolled fires. Firefighters use fire equipment, water supply resource or they might
use foam, depending on what is feeding the fire.

4. Fire Safety
 Refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may
result in injury, property damage, or worst, death. It will also alert those who are inside
the structure to the presence of a fire once occurred and to reduce the damage caused
by fire.
 Fire safety measures include the planning and construction of the building. (Using fire-
resistant building materials and construction techniques. Designing buildings with
adequate fire exits and escape routes. Installing fire doors and barriers to contain the
spread of fire.)

5. Fire Protection
 Fire protection is the study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of fires. It
involves the study of the behavior of fire and its related emergencies, as well as the
research and development, production, testing and application of mitigating systems. In
structures, the owners and operators are responsible to maintain their facilities in
accordance with what is prescribed by the laws, including building and fire codes.

6. Law Enforcement
 Building and fire inspectors check on compliance of a building under construction with
the building code. Once construction is completed, a building must be maintained in
accordance with current fire code, which is enforced by the fire prevention officers of a
local fire department.

10 Phases of Fire Fighting

1. PRE-FIRE PLANNING
To know the problems which may be encountered in case fire starts in a particular
building or area and formulating a fire ground strategy. Pre-fire planning involves gathering and
analyzing information about buildings and areas that might pose a risk of fire. This includes:
 Identifying potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
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  Understanding building layouts, including exits, stairwells, and sprinkler systems.
 Formulating strategies for various scenarios, considering factors like building
construction, occupancy, and nearby water sources.
 Coordinating with building managers and local authorities to ensure everyone is
prepared and aware of the fire safety plans.

2. SIZE-UP
This is being done by the fire ground commander to estimate, evaluate and analyze the
situation or basis for sound decision making. Size-up is the process where the fire ground
commander assesses the situation upon arrival. This involves:
 Evaluating the extent and location of the fire.
 Identifying potential dangers, such as hazardous materials or structural weaknesses.
 Determining the resources needed, including personnel and equipment.
 Making quick, informed decisions to prioritize actions, such as rescue, exposure
protection, or fire attack.

3. RESCUE
Removal of any fire victim from hazardous area to safer ground. Rescue operations
focus on saving individuals trapped or endangered by the fire. This includes:
 Locating and removing victims from the fire area to a safer location.
 Using search and rescue techniques to navigate through smoke-filled and hazardous
environments.
 Ensuring victims receive necessary medical attention immediately after rescue.
FORCIBLE ENTRY
Situation where entry to a room or building requires force, physical strength to successfully
remove the barriers to entry. This involves:
 Using tools like axes, halligan bars, and hydraulic spreaders to break through barriers.
 Ensuring the safety of firefighters while performing these tasks, as forcible entry can be
physically demanding and dangerous.

4. COVER EXPOSURE
Is an activity zeroed in on preventing fire from extending to adjacent buildings or
structures. This involves:
 Applying water or fire retardant to adjacent buildings or materials.
 Creating fire breaks or barriers to halt the fire's progress.
 Protecting flammable objects or materials that could ignite and contribute to the fire's
spread.

5. CONFINEMENT
Is an activity focus on preventing fire from extending to adjacent rooms / area of same
buildings/structures which is exposed to the fire. Confinement focuses on keeping the fire
contained within a specific area, preventing it from spreading further. This includes:
 Using walls, doors, and fire-resistant materials to limit the fire's movement.
 Shutting off utilities like gas and electricity that could exacerbate the fire.
 Strategically applying water or fire suppressants to control the fire's growth.

6. VENTILATION
An activity which is focus on displacing heated air and smoke, and ventilate them to the
atmosphere to improved visibility of the base of the fire. Ventilation involves removing smoke,

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 heat, and gases from the building to improve visibility and conditions for firefighters. This
includes:
 Opening windows, doors, or using mechanical ventilation systems.
 Creating vents in the roof or walls to release trapped heat and smoke.
 Ensuring proper ventilation to prevent backdrafts or flashovers.

7. EXTINGUISHMENT
Is the actual firefighting containment operation or actual putting out of fire. This involves:
 Applying water, foam, or other fire suppressants directly to the flames.
 Using different techniques depending on the type of fire (e.g., water for Class A fires, dry
chemical for Class B fires).
 Ensuring all hotspots are thoroughly extinguished to prevent rekindling.

8. SALVAGING
A property conservation measure aimed on immunization of property losses. Salvaging
aims to minimize property damage during and after firefighting operations. This
includes:
 Protecting valuable items from water and fire damage.
 Covering furniture and other items with tarps or salvage covers.
 Removing debris and excess water to preserve the integrity of the structure.

9. OVER-HAULING OR MOPPING OPERATION

Is an activity which makes sure that the fire scene is free from rekindling fire and no
possible re-ignition can take place when fire fighter had already turn over the involved area to
the owner. Over-hauling ensures that the fire is completely extinguished and that no hidden
embers remain. This includes:
 Carefully checking for any remaining hotspots in walls, ceilings, and floors.
 Removing burned materials to prevent re-ignition.
 Ensuring the area is safe before leaving it in the care of the property owner.

10. POST FIRE ANALYSIS

An activity zeroed in on tracing some difficulties and circumstances to prevent repetition
of the same problem/s. Post-fire analysis involves reviewing the incident to identify lessons
learned and prevent future occurrences. This includes:
 Investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
 Analyzing the effectiveness of the firefighting strategy and tactics used.
 Documenting any issues encountered and proposing solutions to improve future
responses.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE FIRE DETECTION

ACTIVE FIRE DETECTION

Active fire protection refers to systems that involve a triggered response to a fire. It monitors
the environment for signs of fire and can initiate an alert or response when a fire is detected. These
systems typically use sensors and detection devices to identify fire-related phenomena such as
smoke, heat, or flames.
Common active fire detection systems include:
1. Smoke Detectors: These devices detect the presence of smoke particles in the air, which are
often the first indication of a fire.

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 2. Heat Detectors: These sensors detect changes in temperature and can identify fires based
on the rapid rise in heat. They are suitable for environments where smoke detectors may
produce false alarms, such as kitchens or garages.

3. Flame Detectors: These detectors sense the presence of flames or infrared/ultraviolet light
emitted by a fire. They are commonly used in high-risk areas like industrial settings where
fires can spread rapidly.

4. Gas Detectors: These devices monitor the air for the presence of hazardous gases that may
indicate a fire, such as carbon monoxide or combustible gases. They are often used in
conjunction with other detection systems to provide comprehensive fire monitoring.

5. Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are portable devices designed to combat small fires
by discharging a substance that cools the burning material, deprives the fire of oxygen, or
interferes with the chemical reactions occurring in the flame.

6. Fire Hose Reels: Fire hose reels are fixed firefighting devices installed within buildings that
provide a continuous supply of water to combat fires. They consist of a length of hose (usually
30 meters) wound around a reel, connected to the building's water supply, and equipped with
a control nozzle to direct the flow of water.

7. Fire Blankets: Fire blankets are safety devices made of fire-resistant materials, such as
woven fiberglass, designed to extinguish small fires by smothering them, cutting off the
oxygen supply. They are particularly effective for kitchen fires or for wrapping around a
person whose clothing has caught fire.

8. Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler systems are automated fire suppression systems installed in
buildings. They consist of a network of pipes filled with water, with sprinkler heads positioned
throughout the premises. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler heads activate, releasing
water to extinguish or control the fire, preventing its spread.

9. Fire Control Systems: Fire control systems are integrated systems designed to detect, alert,
and control or extinguish fires. These systems can include a combination of smoke alarms,
heat detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and control panels that monitor and manage
fire safety equipment throughout a building. They ensure coordinated and efficient fire
detection, warning, and suppression efforts.

10. Fire Fighters/Emergency Services: Firefighters are trained professionals equipped to

respond to fires and other emergencies. They perform fire suppression, rescue operations,
and provide medical assistance.

PASSIVE FIRE DETECTION

Passive fire detection systems do not actively monitor for fires but instead are designed to
contain and prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. These systems include structural and
material elements integrated into the building design to enhance fire safety. Passive fire protection is
a vital component of the structural fire protection and fire safety strategy in a building.
Common passive fire detection systems include:
1. Fire-Resistant Building Materials: These materials are used in the construction of walls,
floors, and ceilings to resist fire and prevent its spread. Examples include fire-rated drywall,
fireproof coatings, and fire-resistant insulation.
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 2. Fire Doors: These specially designed doors can withstand high temperatures and prevent the
spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. They are usually equipped with
self-closing mechanisms and are an essential component of fire compartmentalization.
3. Fire Dampers: Installed in HVAC systems, fire dampers automatically close when a certain
temperature is reached, preventing the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork.
4. Fire Stopping and Sealing: This involves the use of fire-resistant materials to seal gaps and
openings in walls, floors, and ceilings, thereby preventing the passage of fire and smoke.
5. Fire Compartmentalization: This design strategy divides a building into separate
compartments using fire-resistant barriers. Each compartment is designed to contain a fire for
a specific period, allowing occupants more time to evacuate and reducing the risk of fire
spreading.
6. Fire Walls: Fire walls are specially constructed walls designed to prevent the spread of fire
from one area of a building to another. They are made of fire-resistant materials and extend
from the foundation up through the roof. Fire walls are often rated based on the duration they
can withstand fire exposure, typically ranging from one to four hours.
7. Fire Floors: Fire floors are structural elements in multi-story buildings designed to resist the
spread of fire between floors. These floors are constructed with fire-resistant materials and are
designed to withstand high temperatures for a specific duration, typically measured in hours.
Fire floors help contain fires to the floor of origin, preventing vertical fire spread through the
building and ensuring that occupants on other floors have more time to evacuate safely.
8. Emergency Exit Lights: Emergency exit lights are illuminated signs installed in buildings to
guide occupants to the nearest exits during an emergency, such as a fire. These lights are
typically placed above exit doors and along escape routes. They are designed to remain lit
even during a power outage, usually powered by a backup battery or connected to an
emergency power supply.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

 A fire alarm system is a building system designed to detect, alert occupants, and alert
emergency forces of the presence of fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, or other fire-related
emergencies. Fire alarm systems are required in most commercial buildings.
 They may include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual fire alarm activation devices
(pull stations). All components of a fire alarm system are connected to a fire alarm control
panel. Fire alarm control panels are usually found in an electrical or panel room.
 Fire alarm systems generally use visual and audio signalization to warn the occupants of the
building. Some fire alarm systems may also disable elevators, which are unsafe to use during
a fire under most circumstances.

The “Brain” of the fire detector system

is the Fire Alarm Control Panel. It is the
central hub for all of the detector signals
to be wired to and provides a status
indication to the users.

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Different Types of Fire Alarm Detectors
At the core of a fire alarm system
are the detection devices, from
sophisticated intelligent smoke detectors to
simple manually operated break glass
units, there are a wide array of different
types, but we can divide them into groups
including:
A. Heat Detectors
B. Smoke Detectors
C. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
D. Multi-sensor Detectors
E. Manual Call Points
F. Alarm Devices
A. Heat Detectors
Heat detector can either work on a fixed temperature basis, where it will trigger an alarm if the
temperature exceeds a pre-set value, or they can work on the rate of change in temperature.
Commonly Heat detectors work in a similar way to an electrical fuse, the detectors contain a eutectic
alloy which is heat sensitive when a certain temperature is reached the alloy turns from a solid to a
liquid which in turn triggers the alarm.
B. Smoke Alarms
Ionization Smoke Detectors: Detect small smoke particles from fast-flaming fires using a
small amount of radioactive material to ionize air.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors: Detect larger smoke particles from smoldering fires using a
light beam that, when interrupted by smoke, triggers the alarm.

C. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are known also as CO fire detectors are electronic detectors used
to indicate the outbreak of fire by sensing the level of carbon monoxide in the air. Carbon monoxide is
a poisonous gas produced by combustion. Carbon monoxide detectors have an electrochemical cell,
which senses carbon monoxide, but not smoke or any other combustion products
D. Multi-Sensor Detectors
The Multi-sensor detectors combine inputs from both optical and heat sensors and process
them using a sophisticated algorithm built into the detector circuitry. When polled by the control panel
the detector returns a value based on the combined responses from both the optical and heat
sensors. They are designed to be sensitive to a wide range of fires.

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E. Manual Call Points
A Manual Call Point or Break Glass Call Point is a device which enables personnel to raise the
alarm by breaking the frangible element on the fascia; this then triggers the alarm.
F. Alarm Devices
Audible Alarms: Sirens, bells, or horns that produce a loud sound to alert occupants.
Visual Alarms: Strobe lights or flashing lights for areas with high noise levels or for the
hearing impaired.
Voice Alarms: Public address systems that provide spoken instructions for evacuation.

Fire Suppression Equipment

Fire suppression equipment is designed to control and extinguish fires, protecting lives,
property, and critical infrastructure. This equipment can be manual or automatic and utilizes various
agents to suppress different types of fires.
1. Fire Extinguishers
Portable devices used to combat small fires. They come in various types, each designed for
specific fire classes:
Class A: For ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth).
Class B: For flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease).
Class C: For electrical fires.
Class D: For combustible metals (magnesium, titanium).
Class K: For cooking oils and fats.

2. Fire Hose Reels

Fixed devices that provide a continuous supply of water to combat fires. They consist of a
length of hose wound around a reel, connected to the building's water supply.
Components: Hose reel, nozzle, water supply connection.
Usage: Suitable for Class A fires.

3. Fire Blankets
Safety devices made of fire-resistant materials, such as woven fiberglass, used to smother
small fires.
Applications: Kitchen fires, wrapping around a person whose clothing is on fire.

4. Sprinkler Systems
Automated systems that release water to extinguish or control fires.
Wet Pipe Systems: Pipes are always filled with water; sprinklers activate individually.
Dry Pipe Systems: Pipes are filled with pressurized air; water is released when a sprinkler
activates.
Pre-Action Systems: Require a secondary trigger before water is released.

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 Deluge Systems: Sprinklers are open and release water simultaneously upon activation.

5. Foam Suppression Systems

Use foam to smother and cool fires, particularly effective for flammable liquid fires (Class B).
Components: Foam concentrate, water, air, and a discharge device.

6. Gas Suppression Systems

Use inert gases or chemical agents to suppress fires by reducing oxygen levels or disrupting
chemical reactions.
Inert Gas Systems: Use gases like argon, nitrogen, or a blend to reduce oxygen levels.
Chemical Agents: Include clean agents like FM-200, Novec 1230, and CO2 systems.

7. Water Mist Systems

Use fine water sprays (mist) to cool the fire and surrounding gases, reducing the heat and
displacing oxygen.
Advantages: Use less water than traditional sprinklers, minimizing water damage.
Applications: Data centers, historical buildings, museums.

8. Fire Suppression Foam

Foam concentrates mixed with water and air to create a foam blanket that smothers fires,
particularly effective for flammable liquid fires.
Types: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), Alcohol-Resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF).

9. Dry Chemical Suppression Systems

Use powdered chemicals to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire.
Common Agents: Monoammonium phosphate (effective on Class A, B, and C fires), sodium
bicarbonate (effective on Class B and C fires).

10. Wet Chemical Suppression Systems

Use a liquid extinguishing agent to cool and smother fires, typically used for kitchen fires
(Class K).
Components: Wet chemical agent, discharge nozzles, detection and control mechanisms.
11. Fire Extinguishing Aerosols
Disperse fine aerosol particles to suppress fires, effective for enclosed spaces.
Mechanism: Aerosol particles interrupt the combustion process at a chemical level.

12. Halon Systems (Phased Out)

Halon was used in fire suppression systems for its effectiveness in interrupting the chemical
reactions of a fire. Due to its ozone-depleting properties, it is being phased out and replaced with
more environmentally friendly agents.

Considerations for Suppression Equipment

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  Suitability: Ensure the suppression equipment is suitable for the specific fire risks present in
the environment.
 Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the reliability and
effectiveness of suppression equipment.
 Training: Proper training for building occupants and personnel on the use of suppression
equipment is essential for effective fire response.
 Compliance: Equipment must comply with local fire codes, regulations, and industry
standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

End of Additional Notes

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