Background
Fire outbreaks and disasters are caused by many factors, some of which can be blamed on ourselves and others are beyond our control. A good knowledge of fire, its characteristics and behaviour will enable one to identify any possible fire risks in our homes and enhance our abilities to prepare and to prevent them from occurring and spreading. Fire in its most common form can result in an inferno, which has the potential to cause physical damage through burning. The negative effects of fire include hazard to life and property, atmospheric pollution, and water contamination.
Fires start when a inflammable or a combustible material, in combination with a sufficient quantity of oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich compound is exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash point. Fire cannot exist without these elements in place and in the right proportions. For example, an inflammable liquid will start burning only if the fuel and oxygen are in the right proportions.
Causes fire outbreak
Fire in Industrial and non-dwelling properties
the four most common causes of accidental fires in non-dwelling properties were:
- Faulty appliances and leads
- Faulty fuel supply
- Poor management of chemicals
- Misuse of equipment or appliances
- Placing articles too close to heat
- Carelessness of workers
- Poor handling of inflammable substances
Fire in domestic properties
Fire in homes can start suddenly and spread quickly, destroying the home, the contents and other surrounding properties and putting lives in danger. Domestic fires are caused in a variety of ways and the fueling agents are abundant with open flames common and combustible items everywhere. This makes most of homes to be extremely hazardous places. However, with common sense and a little planning, we can make our homes safe. This will be possible if we know what causes the fires and what to do in case of one. The major causes of domestic fires are:
- Carelessness
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Electrical Equipment
- Coocking Equipment
- Careless use of candles and other naked flames
- Fire Works
- Flammable Liquids
- Smoking
- Children
- Arson
- Arson is defined as a malicious burning of the property of another.
- The house can be set on fire during a riot, strike or social unrest. Arson and intentional fires mostly occur outside, but most of the associated deaths, injuries, and losses occur in structures, particularly in homes.
- Lightning
- Lightening can cause fire outbreaks. This can be prevented by installation of lighting arresters.
You can download a small guide pdf using the donwload button given below and for more detailed fire prevention topics, you should visit Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards website : dgfscdhg.gov.in/fire-prevention
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