Fire Safety Training

Theory of Fire

Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation (burning) of fuel. The following three elements must be present at the same time in order for a fire to start:

fire triangleFUEL – Any combustible material (flammable gases, liquids, solids). Most solids and liquids must vaporize before they will burn.

OXYGEN – Sufficient oxygen (present in the air, oxidising substances) must be present in the atmosphere surrounding the fuel for fire to burn.

HEAT – Sufficient heat energy (hot surfaces, electrical equipment, smoking, naked lights) must be applied to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature.

The combination of these three elements is frequently referred to as the ‘fire triangle’. The removal of any one of these elements will result in the fire being extinguishers or no fire at all. Fire extinguishers will extinguish a fire by removing one or more elements of the fire triangle.

Fire Risk UK Limited - Head Office and Registered Address: Unit 14 Oakhurst Business Park, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RT

© Fire Risk UK Limited, Registered In England and Wales No: 5595556.