Fire Triangle Explained & Types of Fires

 

 Fire Triangle Explained & Types of Fires

(Basic to Advanced – With Legal & IS References)

PART 1: Fire Triangle Explained

1. What Is Fire? (Very Basic)

Fire is a chemical reaction that produces heat, light, and smoke.
A fire cannot start or continue unless three basic elements are present together.

These three elements are called the Fire Triangle.

2. What Is the Fire Triangle

The Fire Triangle explains the three essential elements required for fire:

  1. Heat

  2. Fuel

  3. Oxygen

👉 If any one element is removed, the fire will stop.

This principle is used in fire prevention and fire‑fighting.

3. Elements of the Fire Triangle (Detailed Explanation)

A. Heat

What is Heat?
Heat is the energy that raises the temperature of a material until it catches fire.

Common heat sources at site:

Control of Heat:

  • Cooling with water

  • Switching off power

  • Using proper insulation

B. Fuel

What is Fuel?
Fuel is any material that can burn.

Common fuels at construction / industrial sites:

  • Wood, paper, cloth

  • Diesel, petrol, oil

  • Paints, thinners, solvents

  • LPG, acetylene gas

  • Plastic and rubber materials

Control of Fuel:

  • Proper storage

  • Removal of waste material

  • Separation of flammable materials

C. Oxygen

What is Oxygen?
Oxygen supports combustion. Normal air contains about 21% oxygen, which is enough to keep a fire burning.

Control of Oxygen:

4. Fire Control Using Fire Triangle (Practical Use)

Fire Element RemovedMethod Used
HeatWater cooling
FuelRemoving combustible material
OxygenFoam, CO₂, fire blanket

👉 Fire extinguishers work on this principle.

PART 2: Types of Fires (Fire Classification)

Understanding fire types is critical, because using the wrong extinguisher can increase the fire.

5. Class A Fire

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials that burn and leave ash.

Materials involved:

  • Wood

  • Paper

  • Cloth

  • Rubber

Common locations:

  • Stores

  • Offices

  • Accommodation areas

Suitable extinguishers:

6. Class B – Flammable Gas / Liquid Fire

  • LPG, acetylene, propane, butane are flammable gases

Materials involved:

  • Petrol

  • Diesel

  • Oil

  • Paints

  • Solvents

Common locations:

Suitable extinguishers:

⚠️ Water must NOT be used – it spreads the fire.

7. Class C Fire – Electrical Fires

Materials involved:

Suitable extinguishers:

  • CO₂

  • Dry Chemical Powder

⚠️ Never use water on live electrical fires.

8. Class D Fire – Metal Fires

Materials involved:

Common locations:

Suitable extinguishers:

9. Class K Fire – Cooking Oil Fires

Materials involved:

  • Cooking oil

  • Fats

Common locations:

  • Canteens

  • Kitchens

Suitable extinguishers:

10. Why Fire Classification Is Important

  • Prevents wrong extinguisher use

  • Reduces fire spread

  • Saves lives and property

  • Ensures quick emergency response

11. Legal Requirements & IS Codes (India)

Relevant Acts

📜 Factories Act, 1948

  • Section 38: Requires fire prevention and firefighting arrangements.

📜 BOCW Act, 1996 & Rules, 1998

  • Requires fire safety measures at construction sites.

Important IS Codes

  • IS 2190 – Selection, installation, and maintenance of fire extinguishers

  • IS 1646 – Fire safety of buildings

  • IS 15105 – Fire safety in construction

Conclusion

Understanding the Fire Triangle and Types of Fires is the foundation of fire safety. When workers know how fire starts and what type of fire it is, they can act quickly, safely, and correctly during an emergency.

👉 Correct knowledge + correct action = fire prevention

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