Category: Fire Science

  • Specific Heat of Water and Its Role in Firefighting

    Specific Heat of Water and Its Role in Firefighting

    Explore the specific heat of water and its key role in firefighting, heat absorption, and temperature regulation. 1. Specific Heat and Its Impact The specific heat of water is approximately 4.217 J/(g·K), meaning it takes 4.217 joules of energy to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C. This high value indicates water’s…

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  • Energy Release in Bond Formation

    Energy Release in Bond Formation

    Discover “Energy Release in Bond Formation” and how combustion releases energy through bond energy changes, producing heat and light. Basics of Combustion Combustion occurs when a chemical reaction breaks existing bonds in reactants and forms new bonds in products. This process involves changes in bond energy, playing a key role in whether the reaction releases…

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  • Pushing Fire: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Implications

    Pushing Fire: Understanding the Phenomenon and Its Implications

    When firefighters arrive at the scene of a fire and begin applying water, they often expect the flames to diminish. However, many have witnessed a startling opposite effect—the fire spreads quickly into unburned spaces, causing sudden flare-ups. This phenomenon, referred to as “pushing fire,” has been the subject of debate in firefighting circles. While the…

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  • Fire Control Box

    Fire Control Box

    In firefighting, it’s essential to not only have the technical skills to extinguish fires but also to understand fire behavior. Modern homes are built with tighter seals and better insulation than older structures, which makes it critical to understand the dangers of smoke and heat, as well as to learn about the concept of “flow…

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  • Smoke

    Smoke

    Smoke is a mixture of airborne solids (soot, fibers, dust), liquid particles (hydrocarbons, water), and gases (like CO, HCN, and other toxic gases), often produced by pyrolysis or combustion reactions. Firefighters must understand the properties of smoke to assess fire situations effectively. Buoyancy Buoyancy is the upward force applied to a mass that has a…

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  • Flashover in Firefighting

    Flashover in Firefighting

    Learn about flashover in firefighting – its causes, warning signs, dangers, and prevention tactics. Stay informed on modern home hazards and firefighter safety. What is Flashover? Flashover is a phenomenon in which a fire rapidly spreads, engulfing an entire room. This occurs when flammable materials in the room decompose due to heat, releasing combustible gases…

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  • Interaction of Heat and Steam in Firefighting

    Interaction of Heat and Steam in Firefighting

    Interaction of Heat and Steam in Firefighting: Learn about steam expansion, water application, and firefighter safety. When dealing with fires, it’s essential to know how much water to apply and its effects. Incorrect application can lead to negative consequences. Firstly, it’s crucial to recognize the expansion rate of steam. One liter of water converts to…

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  • Backdraft

    Backdraft

    What is a Backdraft? A backdraft occurs when a fire has depleted the oxygen in an enclosed space, and opening a door or breaking a window allows a sudden influx of oxygen, causing an explosive burst of flames. Difference Between Flashover and Backdrafts The key difference between a flashover and a backdraft lies in the…

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  • Fire characteristics

    Fire characteristics

    Understanding fire characteristics is essential for effective firefighting. Develop strategies based on this knowledge and apply them on site. If you don’t know how a fire starts, you won’t know how to extinguish it! Definition of fire A “fire” is a combustion phenomenon that occurs or expands contrary to human intent or arises from arson…

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