Fire fighting

Fire fighting is the knowledge and techniques required to extinguish a fire.

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Historically, fire scientists created a graphical representation detailing the three elements fire needs to start (fire triangle). However, in recent years, one more point has been added to the triangle, creating the fire tetrahedron. This fourth point represents a chemical chain reaction needed to sustain fire. The three elements needed for the initial start of combustion are:

Related Topics:
Fire triangle - Fire tetrahedron - Combustion

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• combustible matter (fuel): paper, wood, gasoline, oil, gas, etc.;
• a combustive agent, i.e. an oxidant, usually the oxygen of the air;
• activation energy: heat, spark (electricity), etc.

(See also Combustion). To extinguish a fire, it is necessary to remove at least the fuel or the combustive agent (once it is started, the fire produces its own energy). Once the fire is suppressed, it is necessary to cool down the surrounding objects so the fire does not start again.

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Fire fighting: Risks of a fire ►