Backdraft - a phenomenon in which a fire that has consumed all

available
oxygen suddenly explodes when more oxygen is made available,
typically
because a door or window has been opened.

Boiling Point - The temperature of a substance where the rate of

evaporation exceeds the rate of condensation.

British Thermal Unit - (BTU) The amount of heat needed to

raise the
temperature of one pound of water one degree F.

Calorie - The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of

one
gram of water one degree Centigrade.

Centigrade - (Celcius) On the Centigrade scale, zero is the

melting
point of ice; 100 degrees is the boiling point of water.

Chemical Heat Energy

Heat of Combustion - The amount of heat generated by the

combustion (oxidation) process.

Heat of Decomposition - The release of heat from

decomposing
compounds. These compounds may be unstable and
release
their heat very quickly or they may detonate.

Heat of Solution - The heat released by the mixture of

matter
in a liquid. Some acids, when dissolved, give off sufficient
heat to pose exposure problems to nearby combustibles.

Spontaneous Heating - The heating of an organic substance

without the addition of external heat. Spontaneous heating
occurs most frequently where sufficient air is not present
 to dissipate the heat produced. The speed of a heating
reaction doubles with each 180 F (80 C) temperature
increase.

Classification of Fires

Class A Fire - Fires involving ordinary combustible materials,

such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.

Class B Fires - Fires involving flammable liquids, greases

and gases.

Class C Fires - Fires involving energized electrical

equipment.

Class D Fires - Fires involving combustible metals, such as

magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium and potassium.

Class K Fires - Class K is a new classification of fire as

of 1998 and involves fires in combustible cooking fuels such
as vegetable or animal fats.

Combustion - is the self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of a

fuel being reduced by an oxidizing agent along with the evolution
of
heat and light.

Dry Chemicals and Halons - method of fire extinguishment,

interrupt
the flame producing chemical reaction, resulting in rapid
extinguishment.

Electrical Heat Energy

Dielectric Heating - The heating that results from the action

of either pulsating direct current, or alternating current
at high frequency on a non-conductive material.

Heat from Arcing - Heat released either as a high-

temperature
 arc or as molten material from the conductor.

Heat Generated by Lightning - The heat generated by the

discharged of thousands of volts from either earth to cloud,
cloud to cloud or from cloud to ground.

Induction Heating - The heating of materials resulting from

an alternating current flow causing a magnetic field
influence.

Leakage Current Heating - The heat resulting from imperfect

or improperly insulated electrical materials. This is
particularly evident where the insulation is required to
handle high voltage or loads near maximum capacity.

Resistance Heating - The heat generated by passing an

electrical force through a conductor such as a wire or
an appliance.

Static Electricity Heating - Heat released as an arc between

oppositely charged surfaces. Static electricity can be
generated by the contact and separation of charged
surfaces
or by fluids flowing through pipes.

Endothermic Heat Reaction - A chemical reaction where a

substance
absorbs heat energy.

Exothermic Heat Reaction - A chemical reaction where a

substance
gives off heat energy.

Fahrenheit - On the Fahrenheit scale, 32 degrees is the melting

point
of ice; 212 degrees is the boiling point of water.

Fire point - The temperature at which a liquid fuel will produce

vapors sufficient to support combustion once ignited. The fire
point
is usually a few degrees above the flash point.

Fire Triangle - Oxygen, Fuel, Heat

Fire National Training Institute - (FNTI) the Institution for

training
on human resource development of all personnel of the Bureau of
Fire
Protection (BFP).

Flame - A gas-phased combustion.

Flammable or Explosive Limit - The percentage of a substance

in air
that will burn once it is ignited. Most substances have an upper
(too rich) and a lower (too lean) flammable limit.

Flashover - an instance of a fire spreading very rapidly across a

gap
because of intense heat. Occurs when a room or other area
becomes
heated to the point where flames flash over the entire surface or
area.

Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel

gives
off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with the air near
the surface. At this temperature, the ignited vapors will flash, but
will not continue to burn.

Fuel - is the material or substance being oxidized or burned in the

combustion process. Material such as coal, gas, or oil that is
burned
to produce heat or power.

Fuel Removal - method of fire extinguishment, fire is effectively

extinguished by removing the fuel source. This may be
accomplished by
stopping the flow of liquid or gaseous fuel or by removing solid
fuel
in the path of the fire or allow the fire to burn until all fuel
is consumed.

Glowing Combustion - A condensed phased combustion.

Heat - the quality of being hot; high temperature. A form of

energy
arising from the random motion of the molecules of bodies, which
may be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation.

Heating - is transfer of energy, from a hotter body to a colder

one,
other than by work or transfer of matter.

Heat of Combustion - The amount of heat generated by the

combustion
(oxidation) process.

Heat Transfer

Conduction - Conduction is the transfer of energy through

matter from particle to particle. Heat may be conducted
from
one body to another by direct contact of the two bodies or
by an intervening heat-conducting medium.

Convection - is the transfer of heat by the actual movement

of the warmed matter. Transfer of heat by the movement of
air or liquid.

Radiation - Electromagnetic waves that directly transport

energy through space.

Ignition Temperature - The minimum temperature to which a

fuel in air
must be heated in order to start self-sustained combustion
independent
of the heating source.
Heat - The form of energy that raises temperature. Heat is
measured
by the amount of work it does.

Heat of Decomposition - The release of heat from decomposing

compounds.
These compounds may be unstable and release their heat very
quickly or
they may detonate.

Heat of Solution - The heat released by the mixture of matter in

a
liquid. Some acids, when dissolved, give off sufficient heat to pose
exposure problems to nearby combustibles.

Mechanical Heat Energy

Frictional Heat - The heat generated by the movement

between
two objects in contact with each other.

Friction Sparks - The heat generated in the form of sparks

from solid objects striking each other. Most often at least
one of the objects is metal.

Heat of Compression - The heat generated by the forced

reduction of a gaseous volume. Diesel engines ignite fuel
vapor without a spark plug by the use of this principle.

Nuclear Fission and Fusion - The heat generated by either the

splitting or combining of atoms.

Oxidation - The complex chemical reaction of organic material

with
oxygen or other oxidizing agents in the formation of more stable
compounds.

Oxidizing Agents - are those materials that yield oxygen or other

oxidizing gases during the course of a chemical reaction.
Oxygen Dilution - is the reduction of the oxygen concentration to
the fire area.

Phases of Fire

Incipient Phase (Growth Stage)

Free-Burning Phase (Fully Developed Stage)
Smoldering Phase (Decay Stage)

Products of Combustion

Fire gases
Flame
Heat
Smoke

Pyrolysis (also known as thermalde composition) - is defined

as the
chemical decomposition of matter through the action of heat.

RA 6975 - created the BFP.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - administers and enforces

the fire code of the Philippines. The Fire Bureau shall
have the power to investigate all causes of fires and, if
necessary, file the proper complaints with the city or
provincial prosecutor who has jurisdiction over the case.

Chief of the Fire Bureau - rank is Director.

Deputy Chief for Administration of the Fire Bureau - 2nd

highest officer in the BFP. Rank is Chief Superintendent.

Deputy Chief for Operation of the Fire Bureau - the 3rd

highest officer in the BFP. Rank is Chief Superintendent.

Chief of Directorial Staff of the Fire Bureau - 4th highest

officer in the BFP. Rank is Chief Superintendent.
 Directors of the Directorates in the respective national
headquarters office - rank is Senior Superintendent.

Regional Director for Fire Protection - The BFP

shall establish, operate and maintain their respective
regional offices in each of the administrative regions of
the country. Rank is Senior Superintendent.
- He/She shall be respectively assisted by the
following officers with the rank of superintendent:
Assistant Regional Director for Administration,
Assistant Regional Director for Operations, and
Regional Chief of Directorial Staff.

Assistant Regional Director for Fire Protection - The

assistant heads of the Department's regional offices - rank
is Senior Superintendent.

District Fire Marshall - the heads of the NCR district offices -

rank is Senior Superintendent.

Provincial Fire Marshall - the heads of the provincial offices -

rank is Superintendent.

District Fire Marshall - heads of the district offices - rank

is Chief Inspector.

Chief of Municipal/City Fire Station - (also called City/

Municipal Fire Marshall) - the heads of the municipal or
city stations - rank is Senior Inspector.

Fire Station - at least one in every provincial capital, city

and municipality.

LGU - (Local Government Unit) - shall provide the site of the

Fire Station.

RA 9263 - this Act shall be known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection

and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization
Act of 2004.
 The BFP is headed by a Chief to be assisted by 2 deputy
chief, 1
for administration and 1 for operation, all appointed by the
President upon recommendation of DILG Secretary from
among
qualified officers with at least the rank of Senior
Superintendent
in the service.

In no case shall any officer who has retired or is retirable

within six (6) months from his/her compulsory retirement
age
be appointed as Chief of the Fire Bureau or Chief of the
Jail Bureau.

The Chief of the Fire Bureau and Chief of the Jail Bureau
shall serve a tour of duty not to exceed four (4) years.

The President may extend such tour of duty in times of war

or other national emergency declared by Congress.

RA 9514 - this act shall be known as the fire code of the

Philippines
of 2008. An Act establishing a comprehensive fire code of the
Philippines repealing PD 1185 and for other purposes.

Specific Gravity - the density of liquids in relation to water.

Spontaneous Heating - The heating of an organic substance

without
the addition of external heat. Spontaneous heating occurs most
frequently where sufficient air is not present to dissipate the
heat produced.

Temperature Reduction - method of extinguishing fire, cooling

the fuel
with water to a point where it does not produce sufficient vapor to
burn.

Vapor Density - the density of a particular gas or vapor relative

to that of hydrogen at the same pressure and temperature.

Definition of Terms Under RA 9514

Abatement - Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire

hazard.

Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of the owner and

ma nages
the use of a building for him.

Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and

oxidizer used to set off explosives.

Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose - A highly combustible and

explosive compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a
cellulose material.

Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic substance,

materials or compound having cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose)
as base.

Combustible, Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive of

materials
that are easily set on fire.

Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable and free burning fiber

such
as cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay,
straw,
Spanish moss, excelsior and other similar materials commonly
used in commerce.

Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point at or above

37.8
C (100 F).

Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire when in contact

with
organic matter or with certain chemicals.

Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire

resistive
materials attached to and extending below the bottom chord of
the roof
trusses, to divide the underside of the roof into separate
compartments
so that heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent.

Cryogenic - Descriptive of any material which by its nature or as

a
result of its reaction with other elements produces a rapid drop
in temperature of the immediate surroundings.

Damper - A normally open device installed inside an air duct

system
which automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire.

Distillation - The process of first raising the temperature in

separate
the more volatile from the less volatile parts and then cooling and
condensing the resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified
substance.

Duct System - A continuous passageway for the transmission of

air.

Dust - A finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in

the
proper proportion and ignited will cause an explosion.

Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by

passage
of an electric current across a space between two conductors or
terminals due to the incandescence of the conducting vapor.

Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has

partially burned, and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of
flames.

Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a surface for

ornamental
or protective purposes.

Fire - The active principle of burning, characterized by the heat

and light of combustion.

Fire Trap - A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn

easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.

Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or

system to warm the occupants of the building or fire fighting
elements of the presence or danger of fire to enable them to
undertake immediate action to save life and property and to
suppress
the fire.

Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire

separation walls or partitions.

Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which increases or may cause

an
increase in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or which
may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with fire fighting
operations
and the safeguarding of life and property.

Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or public way that should be

kept
opened and unobstructed at all times for the expedient operation
of
fire fighting units.

Fire Protective and Fire Safety Device - Any device intended

for the
protection of buildings or persons to include but not limited to
built-in protection system such as sprinklers and other automatic
extinguishing system, detectors for heat, smoke and combustion
products and other warning system components, personal
protective
equipment such as fire blankets, helmets, fire suits, gloves and
other
garments that may be put on or worn by persons to protect
themselves
during fire.

Fire Safety Constructions - Refers to design and installation of

walls,
barriers, doors, windows, vents, means of egress, etc. integral to
and
incorporated into a building or structure in order to minimize
danger
to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the building is
evacuated. These features are also designed to achieve, among
others,
safe and rapid evacuation of people through means of egress
sealed
from smoke or fire, the confinement of fire or smoke in the room or
floor of origin and de lay their spread to other parts of the building
by means of smoke sealed and fire resistant doors, walls and
floors.
It shall also me an to include the treatment of buildings
components
or contents with flame retardant chemicals.

Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which any material

gives off
vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with
air.

Forcing - A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to

changing
its shape or dimensions.

Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes

by
percussion.
Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of manufacturing,
fabrication,
conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely
to cause fires or explosion.

Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one building to another or

through
or around a wall in approximately the same floor level.

Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other
equipment
are stored and arranged for fire fighting.

Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a

fire hose is wound and connected.

Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant which consist of

combinations of fuels and oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on
contact with each other.

Industrial Baking and Drying - The industrial process of

subjecting
materials to heat for the purpose of removing solvents or moisture
from the same, and/or to fuse certain chemical salts to form a
uniform glazing the surface of materials being treated.

Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to

bypass a
safety device in an electrical system.

Occupancy - The purpose for which a building or portion thereof

is
used or intended to be used.

Occupant - Any person actually occupying and using a building or

portions thereof by virtue of a lease contract with the owner or
administrator or by permission or sufferance of the latter.

Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic compound which

releases oxygen readily. It causes fire when in contact with
combustible materials especially under conditions of high
temperature.

Overloading - The use of one or more electrical appliances or

devices
which draw or consume electrical current beyond the designed
capacity
of the existing electrical system.

Owner - The person who holds the legal right of possession or title
to a building or real property.

Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields oxygen in

quantities sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.

Pressurized Or Forced Draft Burning Equipment - Type or

burner where
the fuel is subjected to pressure prior to discharge into the
combustion chamber and/or which includes fans or other
provisions for
the introduction of air at above normal atmosphere pressure into
the
same combustion chamber.

Public Assembly Building - Any building or structure where fifty

(50)
or more people congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose.

Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed

from the ground to the sky, deeded, dedicated or otherwise
permanently
appropriated for public use.

Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that ignites

spontaneously
when exposed to air.

Refining - A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials

are
removed from a mixture in order to produce a pure element of
compound.
It shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.

Self-Closing Doors - Automatic closing doors that are designed

to
confine smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire.

Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as

to
separate impurities from pure metals.

Sprinkler System - An integrated network of hydraulically

designed
piping installed in a building, structure or area with outlets
arranged in a systematic pattern which automatically discharges
water
when activated by heat or combustion products from a fire.

Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes in a building to

which
fire hoses can be attached on each floor, including a system by
which
water is made available to the outlets as needed.

Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber between the outer

doors
and the interior parts of a house or building.

Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of passage that

extends
from floor to floor, as well as from the base to the top of the
building.
Fire Technology and Investigation
Fire - exothermic reaction involving the oxidation of some substance (fuel)
resulting in the release of energy in the form of light and heat.

Fire Quadrangle

1. Fuel
 2. Oxygen

3. Heat

4. Ignition energy

Triangles of Fire

1. Fuel

2. Oxygen

3. Heat

- removal of any of these results in the suppression of the

fire.

Some major products of combustion

1. water

2. carbon dioxide

3. carbon monoxide

4. oxides of sulfur

Definition of terms

1. Vapor Density - the density of the vapor relative to the density of air and
is calculated by dividing the molecular weight of the gas by that of air.

2. Flash point - the lowest temperature at which

liquid fuel produces a flammable vapor.

3. Fire point/flame point - the lowest temperature at which

liquid fuel produces a flammable vapor in sufficient quantity
such that if a source of ignition is introduced, the vapor
will ignite and is usually a few degrees above the flash point
4. Ignition/auto-ignition temperature - the temperature at
which a fuel will ignite on its own with out any additional
source ignition.
5. Thermal inertia - the ease at which a material can be ignited.
6. Heat release rate - is a measure of the amount of energy a
specific type of fuel can contribute to the heat flux in a fire.
7. Heat transfer - the mechanism in which fire can spread from
 its origin to other sources of fuel.

Methods of heat transfer

1. Conductive/conduction heat transfer - heat is transferred by direct

contact and the rate of transfer is dependent on factors such as the thermal
conductivity of the material and the temperature difference between the
cooler and warmer areas.

2. Convective/convection heat transfer - transfer of heat through physical

movement of materials and occurs only in liquids and gases. Hot gases rise
and spread heat to nearby ceilings and walls.

3. Radiative/radiation heat transfer - heat is transferred if the form of

electromagnetic energy directly from one object to another. ex. infrared
radiation from the sun.

8. Combustion - or burning - is the sequence of

exothermic chemical reaction between fuel and an oxidant
accompanied by the production of heat and conversion of
chemical species.The result of the heat can result in the
form of either glowing or flame.

Glowing combustion - occurs when solid fuels are not capable of

producing sufficient quantities of gas during pyrolysis to sustain a flame.
If access to the oxidant (air) is limited, glowing combustion may result.

Flaming combustion -commonly recognized type of fire and occurs with

gaseous fuel sources only. The color of the flame can give some indication
of the composition of the fuel.

Spontaneous combustion - the ignition of organic matter with out

apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid
oxidation.A process whereby a material self heats.

Explosive combustion - can occur when vapors, dust of gases, premixed

with appropriate amount of air are ignited.

Definition of Terms:

Arson - intentional or malicious destruction of property by fire.

Fire analysis - the process of determining the origin, cause and responsibility
as well as the failure analysis of fire or explosion.

Fire cause - the circumstances or agencies that bring a fuel and an ignition
source together with proper air or oxygen.
Fire spread - the movement of fire from one place to another.

Flash fire - a fire that spreads with extreme rapidity such as the one that races
over dust, over the surface of flammable liquids or through gases.

Fuel load - the total quantity of combustible contents of the building, spaces or
fire area, including interior finish and trim expressed in heat units or the
equivalent weight in wood.

Point of origin - the exact physical location where a heat source and fuel comes
in contact with each other and a fire begins.

Rekindle - a return to flaming combustion after incomplete extinguishment of a

fire reigning at some time after being put out.

Spalling - chipping or pitting of concrete or masonry surfaces.

Definition of terms - (RA no.9514)

Abatement - any act that would remove or neutralize fire hazard.

Administrator - any person who acts as agent of the owner and manages the
use of a building for him.

Blasting Agent - any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used
to set off explosives.

Cellulose nitrate or Nitro cellulose - a highly combustible and explosive

compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.

Cellulose nitrate plastic (Pyroxylin) - any plastic substance,materials or

compound having cellulose nitrate as base.

Combustible/Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive of materials that are

easily set on fire.

Combustible fiber - any readily ignitable and free burning fiber such as
cotton,oakum,rags,waste cloth,waste paper,kapok,hay,straw,Spanish
moss,excelsior,and other similar materials commonly used in commerce.

Combustible liquid - any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8 degrees
Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corrosive liquid - any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic
matter or with certain chemicals.
Curtain board - a vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials
attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roof trusses, to divide
the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and smoke will
be directed upwards to a roof vent.

Cryogenic - descriptive of any material which by its nature or as a result of its

reaction with other elements produces a rapid drop in temperature of the
immediate surroundings.

Damper - a normally open device installed inside an air duct system which
automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire.

Distillation - the process of first raising the temperature to separate the more
volatile from the less volatile parts and then cooling and condensing the
resulting vapor so as to produce as nearly purified substance.

Duct system - a continuous passageway for the transmission of air.

Dust - a finely powdered substance which when mixed with air in the proper
proportion and ignited will cause an explosion.

Electrical arc - an extremely hot luminous bridge formed by passage of an

electric current across a space between two conductors or terminals due to the
incandescence of the conducting vapor.

Ember - a hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned
and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of flames.

Finishes - materials used as final coating of a surface for ornamental or

protective purposes.

Fire - the active principle of burning characterized by the heat and light of
combustion.

Fire Trap - a building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or
because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.

Fire Alarm - any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to

warn the occupants of the building or the fighting element of the presence or
danger of fire to enable them to undertake immediate action to save life and
property and to suppress the fire.

Fire door - a fire restrictive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls
or partitions.
Fire Hazard - any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in
the probability of the occurrence of fire or which may obstruct,delay,hinder or
interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property.

Fire Lane - the portion of a roadway or public way that should be kept opened
and unobstructed at all times for the expedient operations of firefighting units.

Fire Protective and Fire Safety Device - any device intended for the protection
of buildings or persons to include but not limited to built in protection system
such as sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing system,detectors for
heat,smoke and combustion products and other warning system
components,personal protective equipment such as fire blankets,helmets,fire
suits,globes and other garments that may be put on or worn by persons to protect
themselves during fire.

Fire Safety Constructions - refers to design and installations of

walls,barriers,doors,windows,vents,means of egress etc. integral to and
incorporated into a building or structure in order to minimize danger to life,from
smoke,fire,fumes or panic before the building is evacuated.

Flash Point - the minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air.

Forcing - a process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its shape
or dimensions.

Fulminate - a kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by

percussion.

Hazardous operation/process - any act of manufacturing, fabrication,

conversion etc., or produces materials which are likely to cause fires or
explosions.

Horizontal exit - passage way from one building to another or through or

around a wall in approximately the same floor level.

Hose Box - a box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are
stored and arranged for firefighting.

Hose Reel - a cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is
connected.\.

Hypergolic fuel - a rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations of

fuels and oxidizers which ignite simultaneously on contact with each other.

Industrial Baking and Drying - the industrial process of subjecting materials

to heat for the purpose of removing solvents or moisture from the same and,or to
fuse certain chemical salts to form a uniform glazing the surface of materials
being treated.

Jumper - a piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety

device in an electrical system.

Occupancy - the purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or

intended to be used.

Occupant - any person actually occupying and using a building or portions

thereof by virtue of a lease contract with the owner or administrator or by
permission or sufferance of the latter.

Organic Peroxide - a strong oxidizing organic compound which release oxygen

readily. It causes fire
when in contact with combustible materials especially under conditions of high
temperature.

Overloading - the use of one or more electrical appliances or devices which

draw or consume electrical current beyond the designed capacity of the existing
electrical system.

Owner - the person who holds the legal right of possession or title to a building
or real property.

Oxidizing Material - a material that readily yields oxygen in quantities

sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.

Pressurized or Forced Draft Burning Equipment - type or burner where the

fuel is subjected to pressure prior to discharge into the combustion chamber
and /or which includes fans or other provisions for the introduction of air above
normal atmosphere pressure into the same combustion chamber.

Public Assembly Building - any building or structure where 50 0r more people

congregate, gather or assemble for any purpose.

Public Way - any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed from the
ground to the sky, dedicated for public use.

Pyrophoric - descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when

exposed to air.

Refining - a process where impurities and,or deleterious materials are removed

from a mixture in order to produce a pure element of compound. It shall also
refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
Self Closing Doors - automatic closing doors that are designed to confine
smoke and heat and delay the spread o fire.

Smelting - melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to separate

impurities from pure metals.

Sprinkler System - an integrated network of hydraulically designed piping

installed in a building, structure or area with outlets arranged in a systematic
pattern which automatically discharges water when activated by heat or
combustion products from a fire.

Standpipe System - a system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire hoses

can be attached on each floor, including a system by which water is made
available to the outlet as needed.

Vestibule - a passage hall or ante chamber between the outer doors and the
interior parts of a house or building.

Vertical Shaft - a enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor to
floor as well as from the base to the top of the building.
RA no.9514 - Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 (Dec. 19, 2008).

PD. 1185 - known as the fire code of the Philippines, was enacted into law 1977,
repealed by RA no. 9514.

RA no. 9263 - Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology Professionalization Act of 2004.

BFP Powers/Functions

1. Preventions and suppression of all destructive

fires on
a. buildings
b. houses
c. other structure
d. forest
e. land transportation vehicles
f. ships/vessels
g. petroleum industry installations
h. plane crashes and similar incidents
2. Enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines
3. Investigate all causes of fire
4. File proper complaints with the prosecutors office

note: Vessel/Ship must be docked at piers or wharves or anchored in major

 seaport.

BFP Organization

Headed by a Chief who shall be assisted by a Deputy Chief. It shall

composed of a Provincial, District, City and Municipal stations.

In large provinces, district offices may be established to be headed by a

district fire marshall.

In large cities and municipalities, district offices may be established with

subordinate fire stations headed by a district fire marshall.

There shall be at least one fire station in every provincial, capital, city and
municipality.

The local government unit shall provide the site of the fire station.

BFP Key Positions

The Chief of the Fire Bureau - rank is Director.

The Deputy Chief of the Fire Bureau - rank is Chief Superintendent.

Assistant Regional Director for Fire Protection - rank is Senior

Superintendent.

District Fire Marshall of NCR District Offices - rank is Senior

Superintendent.

Provincial Fire Marshall - rank is Superintendent.

District Fire Marshall of Province - rank is Chief Inspector.

Chief of City/Municipal Fire Station - rank is Senior Inspector.

Key Positions - Qualifications

1. Municipal Fire Marshal - should have the rank of
Senior Inspector.
a. Must have finished at least 2nd year Bachelor of
Laws or earned at least 12 units in a masters
degree program in public administration,
management, engineering, public safety,
criminology or other related discipline.
b. Must have satisfactory passed the necessary
training of career courses for such position as
 may be established by the fire bureau.
2. City Fire Marshal - should have the rank of Chief
Inspector.
a. Must have finished at least 2nd year Bachelor of
Laws or earned at least 24 units in a masters
degree program in public administration,
management, engineering, public safety,
criminology or other related disciplines.
b. Must have satisfactory passed the necessary
training or career courses for such position as
may be established by the fire bureau.
3. District Fire Marshal/Provincial Fire Marshal/
Assistant Regional Director for Administration/
Assistant Regional Director for Operations/
Chief of Directorial Staff - should have the rank of
Superintendent.
a. Must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a
holder of a Masters degree in public
administration, management, engineering,
public safety, criminology, or other related
disciplines.
b. Must have satisfactory passed the necessary
training or career courses for such position as
may be established by the fire bureau.
4. District Fire marshal for the NCR/Regional
Director for Fire Protection/Director of the
Directorate of the National Headquarters Office -
should have at least the rank of Senior
Superintendent.
a. Must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a
holder of masters degree in public administration,
management, engineering, public safety,
criminology, or other related disciplines.
b. Must have satisfactory passed the necessary
training or career course for such position as may
be established by the fire bureau.
5. Deputy Chief for Administration and
Deputy Chief for Operation of the Fire Bureau -
should have the rank of Chief superintendent.
a. Must be a member of the Philippine Bar or must
be a holder of a masters degree in public
administration, management, engineering,
public safety, criminology or other related
disciplines.
b. Must have satisfactory passed the necessary
training or career courses as may be established
 by the fire bureau.
6. Chief of the Fire Bureau - should have the rank
of Director.
a. Must be a member of the Philippine Bar or a
masters degree in public administration,
management, engineering, public safety,
criminology or other related discipline.
b. Must satisfactory passed the necessary
the training or career courses for such position
as may be established by the fire bureau.

Excerpts from
The Pocket Guide to Accelerant Evidence Collection

Appendix I: Glossary of Terms for the Fire/Arson Investigator

Part A. Definitions:

1. Accelerant - A substance used to initiate or promote the spread of fire. The most
commonly encountered arson accelerants are ignitable (flammable or combustible)
liquids. Ignitable liquids, such as gasoline and kerosene, generate heavier than air,
ignitable vapors at ordinary temperatures, are immiscible (don't mix with water),
and float and sheen (rainbow coloration) on surface water. Other ignitable liquids,
such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, are miscible (mix well) and do not float
or leave a sheen on water. Common structural materials and assemblies and natural
or man made substances often readily absorb ignitable liquids.

2. Aliphatic - Hydrocarbons are grouped according to their molecular structure. The

two major families of hydrocarbons are aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic
hydrocarbons can be either straight chain molecules or branched chain molecules.

Hydrocarbons can be further classified as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alicyclics.

Alkanes contain carbon-carbon single bonds (saturated); examples of alkanes
include methane, ethane, and propane. Alkenes contain carbon-carbon double bonds
(unsaturated); an example of an alkene is ethylene. Alkynes are highly reactive
hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon triple bonds; an example of an alkyne is
acetylene. Alicyclic hydrocarbons contain carbon-carbon single bonds and are
arranged in a ring structure such as cyclohexane.

Most of the common ignitable liquid hydrocarbons used as arson accelerants are
blended products and contain both aliphatic and aromatic compounds.

3. Aromatics - The second major family of hydrocarbon molecules have one or

more six member (benzene) rings of carbon atoms. The simplest aromatic
compound is benzene (C6H6). Aromatics have a characteristic odor.

4. Boiling Point - The temperature of a pure liquid at which point its vapor pressure
is equal to or slightly greater than atmospheric pressure. Boiling occurs when a
temperature is reached at which the thermal energy of the particles is great enough
to overcome the cohesive forces that hold them in the liquid. Most common
ignitable liquids consist of mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds; such mixtures are
described as having a "boiling range". As an example, gasoline is described as
having a boiling range of -45 degrees F to over 400 degrees F. This means that the
lightest compound of gasoline boils at -45 degrees F and the heaviest of the more
than 300 individual compounds in gasoline boils at more than 400 degrees F.

5. Carbon - A non-metallic element (Periodic Table symbol - C) found nearly pure

in nature as in a diamond or graphite or as a component of coal or petroleum.
Carbon, the sixth most abundant element in the universe, has the unique ability
among the elements to be able to react with either metal or non-metal elements.
Carbon also has the ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms to form long
chain or branched molecules. About 3 million carbon compounds are known.
Substances that contain carbon are called organic compounds and the school of
chemistry that studies and uses these compounds is called organic chemistry.

6. Celsius - The metric and scientific method of measuring temperature was

formerly known as Centigrade. Expressed as degrees (C), the freezing point of pure
water at sea level is 0 degres C and the boiling point of pure water at sea level is
100 degrees C. To convert from degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius subtract 32
then divide by 5/9th i.e. 68 degrees F - 32 = 36; 36 x 5/9 = 20 degrees C.

7. Combustible liquid - An ignitable liquid having a flash point at or above 100

degres F (37.8 degrees C).

8. Deflagration -A rapid (exothermic) combustion reaction proceeding through fuel

at a sub-sonic speed (typically less than 3300 feet/second -1000 meters/second).

9. Explosion - An effect produced by violent, sudden expansion of gases from

chemical change such as detonation of an explosive or ignition of a flammable gas,
mechanical changes such as in a boiler explosion or atomic changes.

10. Explosive limits - (flammable limits) The extreme lower & upper
concentrations of an air/gas mixture in which combustion or deflagration will be
supported. Generally, fuels with broad flammable/explosive limits such as acetylene
(2.5% to 80% by volume) are considered more hazardous.

11. Fahrenheit - The method of measuring temperature where the freezing point of
pure water at sea level is 32 degrees F and the boiling point is 212 degrees F. To
convert degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius degrees by 9/5
and add 32 to that number i.e. 20 degrees C x 9/5 = 36; 36 + 32 = 68 degrees F.

12. Fire - Rapid oxidation with the evolution of heat and light of varying intensities.
Fire is an exothermic reaction (energy is released). Flaming fire is always a gas
phase (gas - gas) reaction meaning one or more ignitable gases are combining with
a gaseous oxidizing agent in the flame zone forming new compounds.

13. Flame Point - A specific temperature, at which an ignitable liquid would

produce sufficient vapors to support continuous, rather than momentary,
combustion. The flame point is usually is usually a few points higher than the flash
point for a given ignitable liquid.

14. Flammable Liquid - An ignitable liquid having a flash point below 80 degrees
F (26.6 degrees C) (USCG) or 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) (NFPA) and a vapor
pressure not exceeding 40 psi at 100 degrees F. Flammable liquids are a class of
combustible liquids.

15. Flash point - The lowest temperature at which a given ignitable liquid produces
an ignitable vapor in a laboratory test. The "flame or fire point", ordinarily a few
degrees higher than the flash point, is the temperature at which an ignitable liquid
would produce sufficient vapors to support a sustained combustion.

16. Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC - FID) - A laboratory

test method which vaporizes mixtures by heating and then separates the individual
components according to their boiling points and molecular weights. For each
component present in a sample, the detector produces a signal proportional to the
quantity of that component. The resulting visual graph is called a chromatogram.

Most of the common ignitable liquids used as fire accelerants produce characteristic
chromatograms, which can be readily characterized/identified by the forensic
chemist. The GC - FID is used extensively by forensic laboratories for fire debris
analysis.

17. Heat Release Rate (HRR) - The amount of heat energy released by combustion
expressed in Btu/sec or kilowatts (kW). The HRR of a combustible is related to its
chemical makeup, physical form and the quantity of oxidant present.

18. Heavy Petroleum Distillate (HPD) (C9 - C23) - A general class of combustible
liquids which includes #2 fuel oil (home heating oil) and diesel fuel. Most HPDs
considered as ignitable liquids would have flash points between 100-200 degrees F.
The chromatographic profile of a HPD consists of a series of normal alkanes
between C9 and C23; the most abundant n-alkane above C12; and at least five
consecutive n-alkane peaks must be present between C14 and C20. Branched alkanes
and the compounds pristane and phytane are present between the normal alkanes.
(Refer to Chart 1).

19. Hydrocarbon - Organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen. The
three simplest hydrocarbon molecules are methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and
propane (C3H8). Hydrocarbons have one of three molecular structures; (aromatics)
contain at least one six-member benzene ring (unsaturated) such as benzene (C6H6),
toluene and the xylenes; (alicyclics) non-aromatic cyclic (ring) compounds, or,
"open-chain" (aliphatic) structure including such groups as the alkanes (paraffins),
alkenes (olefins), and alkynes (acetylenes).

20. Hydrogen - The lightest, simplest (one proton and one electron) and most
abundant element in the universe. Hydrogen is a gas without taste, odor, or color. It
combines with carbon in organic matter such as plants, coal, and petroleum and
with oxygen in water. Periodic Table Symbol: H.

21. Ignition temperature - The minimum temperature to which a substance must

be heated in air to ignite independently of the heating source. This temperature is
sometimes referred to as the auto-ignition temperature. This temperature is derived
from specific laboratory testing of pure substances and serves to classify the hazard
presented by the ignitable liquid. The actual ignition temperature of most substances
may be somewhat higher than those reported in laboratory tests.

22. Immiscible - A term that describes substances that do not mix (e.g. oil and
water).

23. Light Petroleum Distillate - (C4 - C11) A general class of flammable liquids that
could include pocket lighter fluids, ethers, some rubber cement solvents and V M &
P Naphtha. Chromatographically, these products contain at least 4 major peaks in
the range C4 and C11. (Refer to Chart 1).

24. Medium Petroleum Distillate - (C8 - C12) A general class of flammable or

combustible liquids that would include paint thinner (mineral spirits), dry cleaning
solvents and some brands of charcoal starter fluids. (Refer to Chart 1)

25. Miscibility - The ability of two or more substances to mix in all proportions and
to form a single, homogeneous phase (e.g. alcohol and water). A liquid that can be
mixed in all proportions producing a mixture that looks like a single compound (e.g.
alcohol and water).

26. Oxygen - A nonflammable (oxidizing), gaseous element that is colorless,

tasteless and odorless. It is found in a free state in the atmosphere where it makes up
21% of atmospheric air. Oxygen combines with virtually all the other elements
except the inert gases. Periodic Table symbol: O.

27. Oxidation - Oxidation is generally considered any reaction in which electrons

are transferred. The substance that gains electrons in the reaction is considered the
oxidizing agent and the substance that loses electrons is the reducing material.
Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously. Compounds containing
oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, etc. are common oxidizing agents. Compounds such as
potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and calcium hypochlorite are examples of
oxidizers commonly encountered in explosive and incendiary compositions.

28. Pyrolysis - Transformation of a compound into one or more substances by heat

alone. This process often precedes combustion.

29. Soluble - The process of dispersing one or more solid, liquid, or gaseous
substances into another, usually a liquid, forming a homogenous mixture.

30. Specific gravity - The ratio of weight of a given volume of ignitable liquid
compared to an equal volume of fresh water. An ignitable liquid accelerant with a
specific gravity less than one will float; those with specific gravity greater than one
will sink.

31. Stoichiometric Mixture - A stoichmetric mixture is one containing an optimal

ratio of fuel and oxygen. Gaseous fuel - air mixtures can result in an explosion
when a stoichiometric mixture exists. Fuel - air mixtures which are capable of
resulting in an explosion are typically reported in MSDS as the Lower Explosive
Limit (LEL) and the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL).

32. Toxicity - Calibration of physiological damage caused by a poison or toxin.

Rating is included in Part B of this Appendix - Common Ignitable Liquids for those
products where a rating was reported.

Probable lethal
Toxicity Rating Dose dose for 150
pound person
Less than A taste (less than
6 - Supertoxic
5mg/kg 7 drops)
5 - Extremely Between 7 drops
5 - 50
Toxic & 1 tsp.
Between 1 tsp &
4 - Very Toxic 50 - 500
1 ounce
3 - Moderately Between 1 oz &
0.5 - 5gm/kg
Toxic 1 pint
Between 1 pt and
2 - Slightly toxic 5 - 15gm/km
1 quart
1 - Practically More than 1
Above 15gm/kg
non toxic quart

33. Vapor density - The ratio of the molecular weight of a given volume of a
specific gas or vapor to that of an equal volume of dry air at the same temperature
and pressure. A vapor density greater than one will result in a tendency of the vapor
to sink. Most of the common ignitable liquids have a vapor density greater than one.

The closer the vapor density is to the value of air (one) the more rapidly that gas
will tend to mix with air. Higher vapor density vapors tend to resist mixing with air.
Gasoline, for example, has a vapor density of 3 to 4 times heavier than air. This
means concentrated gasoline vapors will ordinarily sink rapidly in still air and tend
to drop to the lowest level.

34. Vapor pressure - The pressure exerted when a solid or liquid is in equilibrium
with its own vapor. The higher the vapor pressure the more rapidly a liquid will tend
to evaporate.

35. Viscosity - The viscosity of a liquid is a measure of its resistance to flow

resulting from the combined effects of adhesion and cohesion.
36. Volatility - The ease with which vapors are given off.