Fire partitions are walls or structures that delay the spread of fire and increase evacuation time. They differ from fire barriers in stability and do not extend across ceilings or floors. They are not expected to completely stop a fire and must meet specific safety requirements. Opinions differ on their effectiveness compared to fire barriers. […]
Fire dynamics simulators are computer programs that model the spread of fire, helping predict how it will react to different scenarios. They divide fires into small sections, incorporating factors such as materials, temperatures, fuel sources, and wind. These programs rely on computational fluid dynamics and data from previous fires. Firefighters, manufacturers, and code developers use […]
A fire alarm control panel displays the location of fire fighting equipment, including smoke detectors, fire alarm switches, and sprinkler systems. It is used in commercial buildings and can detect open doors and windows. The panel helps determine where a fire is in a building and can automatically call the fire brigade. It must comply […]
Fire suppression systems use water, inert gases, or chemicals to put out or prevent fires. They can be automatic or manual and may pose safety risks. Water is commonly used in sprinkler systems, while inert gases are used in sensitive areas. Chemical systems may be used when water or gas is not safe. The purpose […]
Firefighters use various tools and equipment, including ladders, hydraulic platforms, protective clothing, trucks, and specialized vehicles. Hazmat suits protect from hazardous materials. Fire engines transport firefighters and have rescue pumps, hoses, and water tanks. Some vehicles are used for transportation, CPR, or community events. Mobile water supplies extinguish fires at ground level. Firefighting is a […]
A fire compartment is a fire-resistant area in a building that can slow down the spread of fire and protect valuable materials. They can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing buildings. They are not fireproof but can be invaluable in reducing fire damage and increasing evacuation time. They are usually installed with […]
A fire ax is a dual-headed tool designed for firefighters, with a classic ax blade on one side and a pointed pickaxe on the other. It is mounted on a long handle, treated to be fire-resistant, and often painted in bright colors. It can be used for various tasks, including cutting electrical wires and gas, […]
China loses 20% of its annual coal production, between 100-200 million tons, to fires each year. These fires produce 1.1 billion tons of CO2, more than all US automobiles. China is the largest coal consumer and producer, with 3 billion tons produced annually and 13% of global reserves. China loses between 100 and 200 million […]
Flameout is when a jet engine’s flame goes out, causing the engine to fail. Multiple engines provide redundancy, and autopilot systems monitor engine functions. Causes of flameout include mechanical clogging, fuel mixture, physical damage, and bad weather. Safety systems stabilize the aircraft, and investigators evaluate accidents to prevent future incidents. Flameout is the failure of […]
Fire boats are vessels designed to fight fires on ships and near shore, with an endless supply of water on hand. They can also perform water rescue operations and respond to the release of pollutants. Fire boats are equipped with pumps, hoses, and nozzles, and can assist firefighters on shore. They may also have icebreaking […]
Fireproof lumber is treated wood used in construction to reduce the incidence of loss of property and life from fires. It is treated with fire retardant chemicals, but cannot be used arbitrarily and must go through a system of approval due to potential health effects. The effectiveness of fireproofing lumber depends on the treatment used […]
Fire extinguishers are essential for preventing fires from spreading and saving lives. Different types of fires require different extinguishers, classified by fire class. Class A uses water, Class B uses chemicals, Class C is for electrical fires, and Class D is for flammable metals. Regular inspection and refilling is necessary. Fire extinguishers are highly recommended […]
Companies must identify fire hazards, develop and enforce safety policies, create action plans, maintain equipment, and demonstrate commitment to fire safety. Proper maintenance of equipment and prevention of risks are crucial. To ensure fire safety in the workplace, companies must first identify their specific fire hazards. Then they must develop workplace fire safety policies that […]
Oil well fires are caused by natural events, equipment malfunction, or war. Firefighters must clear materials around the well and redirect the leaked oil or gas upwards. Chemicals can suppress oxygen, but stopping fuel is difficult. Specially trained firefighting crews and private companies handle fires. An oil well fire is a fire at the site […]
Fire tests determine if materials and devices comply with building codes for fire safety. They ensure that people are protected and materials won’t fail in a way that threatens human safety. Building materials and electrical devices must pass fire tests before use. The goal is to ensure that in the event of a fire, materials […]
Fire drills are practiced evacuations of buildings, conducted by households, businesses, or governments. Participants calmly exit the building and reassemble in a designated safe area. The drill is used to determine if the building can be safely evacuated in the event of an actual fire. Many countries require mandatory fire drills in schools and government […]
Fire hydrant wrenches are specialized tools used to access water valves in fire hydrants. They are larger and made of durable materials to handle the challenges presented by fire hydrants. Different models of hydrant wrenches are carried by firefighters to meet the needs of different applications. In the US, fire hydrants have a pentagon-shaped bolt […]
A fire safety plan can be a personal strategy for individuals or a detailed memo for buildings’ preparation for a fire emergency. Governments require comprehensive fire safety plans for licensing building operations and regulating local companies and building owners. Building owners must maintain certain fire protection standards and file a detailed fire safety plan with […]
The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and an oxidizer. Fuel is the starting point, and without it, there is no substance to burn. To extinguish a fire, at least one element must be removed. Fire extinguishers deprive the fire of oxygen by suffocating it with monoammonium phosphate. The fire triangle is an illustrative model […]
Industrial fire alarms are complex devices that monitor and extinguish fires in large buildings. Important components to consider when purchasing fire alarm equipment include monitoring, sensitivity, extinguishing capability, and whether it is wired or intelligently designed. The size of the building and the level of sensitivity needed are also important considerations. Some alarms can help […]
