CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the related literature and studies, and definition of terms which have
been found significant in determining the direction of present study.

RELATED LITERATURE

Intentional Fires

During 2010-2014, an estimated 261,330 intentional fires were reported to U.S. fire
departments each year, with associated annual losses of 440 civilian deaths, 1,310 civilian injuries,
and $1 billion in direct property damage. Outside or unclassified fires accounted for three-quarters
(75%) of these incidents, while 19% involved structures, and 6% were vehicle fires. As a part of
its 2008 Urban Fire Safety Project, NFPA worked with the Columbus (OH) Division of Fire to
produce the “Preventing Arson Together (8.2. MB) presentation. Although there are many
approaches to solve the arson problem, this program focuses on actions people in neighborhoods
can to do to help prevent a variety of types of arson. This presentation is designed for fire and life
safety educators to present. View the presentation in the “Notes Pages” mode to see both the slide
and the script to use. Feel free to add local statistics and photos to the presentation; the photos and
graphics in the presentation are copyrighted materials to be used only in the “Preventing Arson
Together” presentation. (National Fire Protection Association, 2018)

These fires resulted in an average of approximately 375 deaths; 1,300 injuries; and $1.06
billion in property loss each year.1 Intentional fires are those fires that are deliberately set and
include fires that result from deliberate misuse of a heat source, fires of an incendiary nature
(arson), as well as controlled burn fires, such as crop clearing, that required fire service
intervention. This topical report addresses the characteristics of intentionally set fires reported to
the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) between 2004 and 2006. Subsets of the
intentionally set fire problem— outside, vehicle, and residential building intentionally set fires—
are further investigated in separate topical reports 2 each topical report addresses specific concerns
related to these subsets of the intentional fire problem (Topical Fire Report Series, 2009).

In 2008, there were 30,500 intentionally-set structure fires in the United States. These fires
accounted for $866 million dollars in property damage and loss and resulted in 325 civilian deaths.
After a fire, officials investigate to determine its cause. A fire official can determine if a fire started
because of burning grease in the kitchen, malfunctioning electrical equipment, a lit cigarette, or
can rule if the fire was set intentionally (Intentional Fires Arson, 2018).

Where you are setting a fire to buildings wildland areas and etc. with the intent to cause
damage. It is the case where it reaches to hundred thousand intentionally fires reported to the U.S
fire department and many structures are damaged hundreds of civilians are injured and almost one
billion dollar are properly damages all in all in each year.

Cooking Equipment Fires

U.S. fire departments responded to 146,400 home structure fires that involved cooking
equipment in 2005. These fires caused 480 civilian fire deaths, 4,690 civilian fire injuries, and
$876 million in direct property damage. Cooking equipment fires are leading cause of home
structure fires and associated civilian injuries. Ranges accounted for the largest share (67%) of
home cooking fire incidents in 2005. Oven accounted for 19%. Thanksgiving is the peak day for
home cooking fires. Twelve percent of the fire occurred when something that could catch fire was
too close to the equipment. Three-fifths (59%) of reported home cooking fire injuries occurred
when victims tried to fight the fire themselves. In a 1999 study of range fires by the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, 83% of frying fires began in the first 15 minutes of cooking (Hall,
2008).

Two public schools in Metro Manila were hit by fire in two separate incidents early
Saturday morning. Fire damaged two buildings of Pangarap Village Elementary School in
Barangay 181, Caloocan City at around 3:10 a.m. The fire started at the Industrial Arts Building,
where books, chairs and sewing machines were stored. The blaze also spread to the Home
Economics building and the school clinic. Arson investigator FO3 Alwin Colianan said the fire
was put out about an hour later. Damage is estimated at P300,000. Authorities are also looking
into the possibility that someone deliberately started the fire. The school's security guard Robbie
Roldan said he heard the sound of a passing motorcycle, followed by gunshots and an explosion
before they saw the building catch fire. Meanwhile, the canteen of Ramon Magsaysay High School
in Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City was also gutted by fire. The fire started at 2:32 a.m. and
reached the second alarm. It was put out about half an hour later. F/Supt. Jesus Fernandez said the
damage caused by the fire is at P50,000. Faulty electrical wiring may have caused the fire. No one
was injured in the incident (Datu, 2015).

Seven thousand people are injured in kitchen fires each year and that doesn’t include the
people who are killed. Don’t be one of them, know what to do and what not to do in the kitchen.
Nearly two thirds of all domestic fires happen because of cooking. The kitchen is the single most
dangerous place in your home, and time and time again it is the same problems that cause fires. If
you know about those problems, the chances are you will be less likely to have a fire in your
kitchen. This section covers how to keep safe while cooking, plus what to do if a fire starts in your
kitchen (Safelincs Ltd, 2017).

In fire department in US responded 146,400 of home fire that involve of cook, Fires began
in the first 15mins of cooking the fire Cause 480 civilian death, 4,690 was ,injures $876 Million
property Damage range accounted for fire was (67%) Oven was (19%) and the cooking equipment.
(38%) The death (45%) Injures (46%) Property Damage (37%) The 12% Fire that could catch fire
too close in Equipment (59%) Reported to home cooking fire injures in a 1999 study range fire by
the US (CPSC).

At around 3:10am Saturday morning two public schools are hit of fire in Pangarap Village
elementary school were the fire started at the industrial arts building, the home economics and
school clinic was also affected to the fire. The investigator FO3 Alwin Colinan Estimated the
damage at P300,000 the authorities looking into the possibility that the fire was intentionally
accounted because the security guard of the chart give an statement absent the heard and case
define the incident (ABS-CBN News, 2014).

Not surprisingly, many fires that take place within homes start in the kitchen. Cooking is
something that many people enjoy doing, but there are a number of risks that come along with it.
Any time you turn your oven on or start up one of the burners on your stove, there’s a chance that
a fire could start, which is why you need to be extra careful when you are in the kitchen. Cooking
equipment may cause fires in our home or in any part of places where we see some kind of this
equipment. Like the appliances we see in the kitchen like oven, stove, rice cooker, and etc. Never
leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen, especially if you're cooking in grease or if the
oven is at a very high heat. Turn off the burner or oven if you need to leave the house or get caught
up in a phone call. Keep dish towels, pot holders, and paper towels away from the stove. To prevent
fire we need to be careful enough.

Heat Source Fires

Fuel. In order for a fire to start there must be a material to burn – and this is referred to as
the fuel. Fuel is any kind of combustible material, including paper, oils, wood, gases, fabrics,
liquids, plastics and rubber. The fuel for a fire is usually characterized by its moisture content, size,
shape and quantity and this will determine how easily the fuel will burn and at what temperature.

Heat. In addition to a fuel source, heat must be present in order for ignition to take place.
All flammable materials give off flammable vapors which, when heat is present, combust. Heat is
also responsible for the spread and maintenance of fire as it removes the moisture from nearby
fuel, warming the surrounding area and pre-heating fuel in its path, enabling it to travel and develop
with greater ease.

Oxygen. As well as fuel and heat, fires also need oxygen to stay alight. Ambient air is made
up of approximately 21% oxygen and, as most fires only require at least 16% oxygen to burn, it
acts as the oxidizing agent in the chemical reaction. This means that when the fuel burns, it reacts
with the oxygen to release heat and generate combustion.

Extinction of the fire. To stop a fire, one of the three elements of the fire triangle must be
removed. So, if a fire runs out of fuel, it will shoulder out; if you can cool a fire down it will lose
heat and go out; and if the oxygen is removed it will suffocate. Therefore, attempts at combatting
a fire and also preventing a fire are based upon these principles. Fire blankets, for example,
suppress a fire, removing the oxygen and, as a result, putting it out. Similarly, fire extinguishers
are developed to eliminate one of the three elements – such as water fire extinguishers which cool
the fire down and remove any heat (Elite Fire Protection, 2015).
 By the same codes of practice, fire prevention methods are also developed in relation to
the chemical reaction which occurs when fire takes place. Undertaking safety steps such as storing
flammable liquids away and making sure piles of paper or fabric are not left near any possible heat
sources are highly important. By using this fundamental fire safety knowledge, the prevalence of
fires and the damage they cause can be significantly reduced (Elite Fire Protection, 2015).

Fire occurs whenever combustible fuel in the presence of oxygen at an extremely high
temperature becomes gas. Flames are the visual indicator of the heated gas. Fire can also occur
from lower-temperature sources. Over time, combustible materials such as smoldering embers can
reach their ignition temperature. (The Ad Council,2018)

Fuel, heat, oxygen, extinction of fire- in order for a fire to start there must be a material to
burn. This four are all needed to make a fire. Without all of these there is no fire. Fuel is a
combustible material including paper, oils, wood and etc. Heat must be present in order for ignition
to take place. Oxygen is made up of approximately 21% oxygen. Last is extinction of the fire to
step a fire one of the element of the fire triangle must be removed. If the fire run out of fuel it will
shoulder out.

Electrical Fires

Some electrical fire dangers are hidden inside the walls, but if you know the warning signs,
you can keep an electrical fire from happening in your home. Most homeowners know that
overloading circuits and using frayed extension cords can lead to electrical fires. But there are
other electrical fire dangers in your home that, while they may not be as obvious, are no less
dangerous. According to the most recent data from the National Fire Protection Association,
electrical failure or malfunction caused an estimated 52,500 fires in U.S. homes in 2006, resulting
in 340 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and nearly $1.5 billion in property damage (National Association of
Realtors, 2018).

Fires involving electrical failure or malfunction. Between 2010 and 2014, U.S. municipal
fire departments responded to an average of 45,210 home structure fires involving electrical failure
or malfunction. These fires caused annual averages of 420 civilian deaths, 1,370 civilian injuries,
and $1.4 billion in direct property damage. Non-home structure fires involving some type of
electrical failure or malfunction accounted for an estimated annual average of 12 civilian deaths,
210 civilian injuries, and $614 million in direct property damage during this same period.

Fires involving electrical distribution or lighting equipment. U.S. fire departments

responded to an estimated annual average of 31,960 non-confined home structure fires involving
electrical distribution or lighting equipment in 2010-2014. An estimated annual average of 14,760
non-confined and non-home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment resulted
in 20 civilian deaths, 190 civilian injuries, and $659 million in direct property damage each year
(National Fire Protection Association, 2018).

But accidents, as they say, happen. In fact, there are nearly 50,000 electrical fires each
year in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It's safe to say that
not one of these fires occurs intentionally. That's why they're called “accidents” and not
“intentional.” And that's also why you must know how to put out an electrical fire if one happens
to break out in your home (Home Services Expert, 2014).

Every year, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity. Most
of these are caused by electrical products, either through misuse or faults. Over half of these
electrical fires start in the kitchen, with cooking appliances and white goods the main cause. We
have put together some advice to help you keep your home and loved ones safe from electrical
fires (Electrical Safety First, 2018).

Fires involving electrical distribution or lighting equipment. The US fire department

responded 31,960 home structure fire involving electrical in 2010-2014 the estimated of average
was 14,760 non-confine and non-home fire involving electrical. Many civilian death, injured and
almost $659 million property damage each year (NFPA). And over half of accidental domestic
fires are caused by electricity. Most of these are caused by electrical product, either through misuse
or faults over half of that electrical product was on kitchen that will be the cause of start in kitchen
like cooking appliances and white goods the main cause. This will be advice to help you keep your
home and loved ones safe from accident (Electrical Safety First, 2018).

Some electrical fires happen because of problems in house wiring or appliance failure, but
many occur due to mistakes that homeowners make like overloading electrical outlets or extension
cords. When working with members of your community on fire and life safety, it is important to
teach the common causes of electrical fires.

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances.
Other fires are started by faults in appliance cords, receptacles and switches. Never use an
appliance with a worn or frayed cord which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors,
curtains, and rugs that can start a fire. Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are another common
reason for electrical fires. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high for the lamps and light
fixtures is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the maximum recommended bulb
wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount. Misuse of
extension cords is another electrical fire cause. Appliances should be plugged directly into outlet
and not plugged into an extension cord for any length of time. Only use extension cords as a
temporary measure. If you do not have the appropriate type of outlets for your appliances, hire an
electrician to install new ones. Because these types of heaters are portable, many times people put
them too close to combustible surfaces such as curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches and rugs.
Coil space heaters are especially dangerous in this regard because the coils become so hot they
will almost instantaneously ignite any nearby flammable surface.

Outdated wiring often causes electrical fires. If a home is over 20 years old, it may not have
the wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of electrical appliances in today’s average
home, such as computers, wide-screen televisions, video and gaming players, microwaves and air
conditioners. Breakers should be triggered when circuits get overloaded by too much electricity,
but outdated breaker boxes often have worn connectors that do not work, causing the system to
overload and start an electrical fire.

Fire Extinguishers

If fire extinguishers are available for employee use, it is the employer's responsibility to
educate employees on the principles and practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards
associated with fighting small or developing fires. To understand how fire extinguishers work, you
need to understand a little about fire. Fire is a very rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and a
combustible material, which results in the release of heat, light, flames, and smoke. Portable fire
extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent that will cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen,
or stop the chemical reaction so a fire cannot continue to burn. When the handle of an extinguisher
is compressed, agent is expelled out the nozzle. A fire extinguisher works much like a can of hair
spray. Fire Extinguishers where installed, must be mounted on the wall where all room occupants
can find it in an emergency. It must be visible from across the room, otherwise, a fire extinguisher
sign should be placed above it on the wall. Extinguishers should be mounted approximately three
to five feet above the floor and must be in-service, fully charged, and not blocked. A 3 ft. clearance
is required in front of and around all extinguishers. Do not hang items such as coats, hall passes,
decorations, backpacks, or bags on fire extinguishers (Slosipe, 2016).

School Fire is very similar to any other type of fire protection with the exception that a
school is full of young people who have very little experience in life much less how to handle an
emergency situation such as a fire. Schools are very similar to all buildings in that they need several
types of fire protection. Now days all schools have computers, a kitchen with a commercial hood
and exhaust system, other electrical equipment. Many Schools also have a biology and a chemistry
lab which will need a specific type of fire extinguisher called a D-type fire extinguisher.
All schools with the exception of very exclusive private schools function on a very limited and
strict budget. Churches start out very small and have a very small budget. But, fortunately most
schools make sure that fire protection is a high priority. All schools must have an adequate amount
of up to date functional fire extinguishers of the appropriate type.

The type of fire extinguisher most commonly found in a school will be ABC
type fire extinguishers. Schools usually container many 10 pound ABC fire extinguishers. A few
smaller schools and daycares will have 5 pound ABC fire extinguishers. But, for larger schools 5
pound ABC fire extinguishers are not adequate because of the potential of larger fires and the
distance from the potential a school fire to where the fire extinguisher is hung on the wall. In
addition to ABC fire type fire extinguishers, Schools will need to have at least one CO2 type fire
extinguisher or Halon Fire extinguisher any and all locations where there is computer or electronic
equipment. Electronic equipment includes amplifiers, video, and audio recording equipment as
well as electrical rooms. This type of fire extinguisher extinguishes electrical fires without causing
additional damage to the electrical equipment. Most schools have a kitchen with a stove, fryer or
other type of cooking device. Because of the potential of a grease or cooking oil laden school
fire there is a requirement to have a k-class type fire extinguisher within 30 feet of the cooking
appliances. K-Class type fire extinguishers are specifically designed to extinguisher grease and
cooking oil fires without causing a splash or “explosion” and without spreading the flames. Do not
ever try to extinguisher these types of fires with water. These k-class fire extinguishers contains
and a specific kind of liquid that covers the burning area and cuts off the oxygen supply then puts
out the fire. All fire extinguishers regardless of type are required to be serviced by a professional
fire protection company at least on an annual basis. Fire extinguishers are also required to be put
through a test involving breaking down the fire extinguisher and replacing internal parts on a 6
year basis. In addition, every twelve years the fire extinguisher must be professionally hydro tested
(School Fire, 2010).

To avoid that stressful situation we talked about earlier of your fire extinguishers
malfunctioning at the critical moment, it’s essential that your fire protection service provider can
prove their competence to properly maintain them. The British Standard BS5306-3:2009 states
that fire extinguishers should be serviced annually by a ‘competent person’. Guidance states that
the competent person need not have any specific academic qualifications but should understand
legislation and have appropriate education and training. If you choose a reputable extinguisher
installation/maintenance company, you’ll be in safe hands. We always recommend that whomever
you use is registered with a scheme such as the ‘Portable Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians
Scheme’ from BAFE. If there’s a suitable link on the FSS site to the definition of a competent
person, we can add this in here. Your fire risk assessment may include a recommendation to have
checked more regularly. We find that clients usually stick with the 12 month check. However, as
a matter of caution and safety, we would recommended that you also carry out a visual check of
all fire extinguishers every month in line with British Standards. Remember, that if fire were to
break out, ultimately the responsibility lies with the end user (or ‘responsible person’) (Fire Safety
Services Limited, 2018).

It is simple equipment that may save your life as you know how to use it properly and it is
very common to us but the others didn’t know the different types of fires extinguisher and how it
function. Because the wrong use of fire extinguisher can cause more damage or another incident.
But it is most if fire extinguisher put at the wall that will across the rooms and in the pathway,
height most be in 3 to 5 feet to ensure that everybody will reach if fire occurs.
Fire Shelters

Although this article provides an instructional approach to deploying the standard fire
shelter, it’s paramount that while on the fire line, all firefighters recognize situations and clues that
could lead to a deployment in the first place. The back cover of the Incident Response Pocket
Guide (IRPG) lists both the 10 standard firefighting orders and the 18 watch out situations. I
implore you to read them over and over again so that you greatly decrease the odds that you’ll
need to deploy your shelter. A deployment zone (not to be confused with a safety zone) is one
component of a last-ditch effort for survival. When a crew must deploy their shelters, they must
act quickly and decisively when choosing the deployment site (or zone), but when doing so, they
must keep certain factors in mind. First, as we all know, heat rises. It also follows chimneys, draws
and saddles in topography. Therefore, if possible, always deploy on ridgelines, shoulders or on the
leeward side of a hill. Another good deployment spot is inside the ditch along the uphill side of a
road that’s traversing a hill. Never use the road itself, as it’s an obvious traffic hazard. Rocks are
also good places to deploy if they’re in a spot that’s not a funnel for heat. If rocks are larger,
deploying on the leeward side will help shield you from heat (Fire Rescue Magazine, 2017).

In 1959, the U.S. Forest Service, Missoula (Mont.) Equipment and Development Center
began development work to design an emergency fire shelter for wildland firefighters. The first
documented use of a fire crew using fire shelters for protection from a fire was in 1964 in Southern
California, thirty-six lives were saved by the experimental fire shelters. In 1967 fire shelters were
mass produced for firefighters to carry when it was deemed necessary. The early version of the
fire shelter was aluminum foil laminated to fiberglass fabric with a Kraft paper liner designed into
an A-frame structure.

During the 1970s, the paper liner was eliminated in the design. Policy was changed in 1977
to require all US federal firefighters to carry fire shelters while working fires. Minor changes were
made to the design during the 1980s and 1990s. From 1964 into the 2000s, it is estimated the fire
shelter saved 300 lives, and prevented serious burn injury to another 300 firefighters; however, 20
firefighters died in fire shelters during that same time period.
 In 2000, Forest Service Fire Management officials directed the now named Missoula
Technology and Development Center (MTDC) to pursue development of a more protective fire
shelter. Many new materials and shelter designs were considered and tested. Interagency Fire
Directors selected the New Generation Fire Shelter in 2002. This new shelter shows marked
improvement in protection vs. the old-style shelter, but it is not able to provide sufficient protection
in the most extreme fire conditions. The shelter is constructed into a rounded shape and is made
of two layers of laminated material. The outer layer is made of woven silica laminated to aluminum
foil, while the inner layer is made of woven fiberglass material laminated to aluminum foil.

There have been 159 new shelters deployed, saving 25 lives and preventing 102 firefighter
burn injuries; however, 21 lives have also been lost. Nineteen of those lives were of the Granite
Mountain Hotshot Crew in an incident near Yarnell, AZ on June 30, 2013. The Fire Shelter Project
Review was initiated in 2014. The project is pursuing advances in materials that may offer
increased protection by slowing the transfer of heat through the shelter layers. Historically, many
high-temperature resistive materials are relatively heavy, bulky, fragile and/or toxic. These are all
attributes that are not suitable for fire shelters. A few entities are submitting promising materials
for testing, one of those is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley
Research Center (LaRC) located in Hampton, Virginia. For the past decade, NASA LaRC has been
conducting materials development of flexible high temperature insulations for use on inflatable
heat shields.

Projects such as the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) are designing
these novel inflatables for the delivery of large payloads to Mars. The use of a large heat shield
made of conventional rigid materials, like the one used on the Apollo capsule, is impractical for
this type of application. By creating an inflatable structure, heat shields 20 feet in diameter, or
larger, can be packed down to less than 20% of their original diameter, allowing them to fit into
launch vehicles of a practical size.shields 20 feet in diameter, or larger, can be packed down to less
than 20% of their original diameter, allowing them to fit into launch vehicles of a practical size.
(NASA, 2017)

In the summer of 2013, 19 firefighters deployed their standard-issue shelters in Yarnell

Hill, Ariz.—but the conflagration proved too much, and none of them survived. After learning of
the tragedy, scientists at the NASA Langley Research Center set out to build a better shelter. They
used inflatable heat-shield technology designed to withstand the scorching temperatures that
spacecraft endure when passing through Earth's atmosphere (2,000 to 5,000 degrees F). In mid-
April the U.S. Forest Service blasted the NASA shelters with flames at a research facility at the
University of Alberta. Results have not yet been released, but earlier tests were promising. If this
space technology proves sturdy enough, firefighters may carry it into the woods this summer.
Traditional fire tents have saved hundreds of lives in the past half-century. But the Yarnell Hill
incident showed that “the shelters could not withstand significant, direct-flame heating,” explains
NASA thermal scientist Josh Fody, who helped to develop the prototype. The heat-shield material
can do so, however. Embedded in the thin fabric are bits of graphite the size and shape of pepper
flakes. When exposed to flames, the graphite causes a layer of fiberglass insulation to expand,
creating “a big, fluffy blanket,” Fody says. He calls the material “smart” because it expands only
when exposed to high temperatures. Its lightweight design is crucial because wildland firefighters
often trek through tough terrain and cannot lug cumbersome gear. (Scientific American, 2018)

The back cover of the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) list both the 10 standard
firefighting orders. When a crew must deploy their shelters, they must act quickly and when
choosing the deployment site but when doing so, they must keep certain factors in mind.
Equipment and development center began developed work to design an emergency fire shelters
for wild fire fighters. Scientist at the NASA research center set out to build a better shelter. They
used imitable heat-shield technology designed to withstand the scorching temperature that endure
when passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

Structural Hand Tools

There are many situations, problems, and variable we must consider and overcome while
conducting structural firefighting operations. Fire service textbooks, magazine articles, and
operational manuals all describe in detail the many fire ground challenges that we face and the
appropriate solutions for them. Regardless of the challenge at hand, just about every solution can
be traced to one of the three basic elements of firefighting: apparatus/equipment, staffing, and
firefighting procedures. These are the three dimensions of structural firefighting. To conduct >safe,
efficient, and timely firefighting operations in burning buildings, all three of these important
element (Salka, 2016).
 Hand tools are simple, easy to use, and easy to maintain. They are relatively inexpensive
and useful in many fire department emergency operations as well as nonemergency situations
requiring fire department service. They are also needed for various vehicle and station maintenance
and repairs. Proficiency and competence are not guaranteed. Training and practice are required to
attain and maintain capabilities.

According to Salka (2016), structural hand tools include manual tools are manually
operated tools are essential because they might be the only solution to a problem. During
emergencies, power many not be available, or a malfunction could render power tools inoperable.
Power tools aren’t right for every situation. It is important to have the right tool for the job. Some
members of an organization may be very comfortable using tools, while others, due to a lack use,
may not have the necessary confidence. Departments should schedule regular reviews including
hands-on practice, and training officers must evaluate proficiency.

Practicing with tools is not always easy because appropriate props are readily available.
Practicing with a pry bar or ax requires actually using the tool to not only improve competence but
learn the capabilities of each tool.

According to Salka (2016), structural hand tools include power tools also require use to
establish and maintain the right level of competence. These tools need to be “touched” by everyone
who might be asked to use them and operated to the point that they are comfortable with them. I
recently watched an episode of “Undercover Boss” on television and the boss was asked to use a
drill motor to help hand drywall. It was obvious that he did not know what he was doing and one
might question whether or not this individual had ever used this tool. I hope no one in the fire
service would be this challenged, but the point is that unless people actually use something, they
are not going to be proficient. Should the need to use a particular tool arise at an emergency scene,
fire service leaders expect competence. Failure in this instance would not only be embarrassing
but could affect the incident’s outcome (Marinucci, 2008).

According to Salka (2016) structural hand tools include tools are particularly important in
construction work. They are primarily used to put things together (e.g., hammers and nail guns) or
to take them apart (e.g., jackhammers and saws). Tools are often classified as hand
tools and power tools. Hand tools include all non-powered tools, such as hammers and pliers.
Power tools are divided into classes, depending on the power source: electrical tools (powered by
electricity), pneumatic tools (powered by compressed air), liquid-fuel tools (usually powered by
gasoline), powder-actuated tools (usually powered by an explosive and operated like a gun) and
hydraulic tools (powered by pressure from a liquid). Each type presents some unique safety
problems.

Hand tools include a wide range of tools, from axes to wrenches. The primary hazard from
hand tools is being struck by the tool or by a piece of the material being worked on. Eye injuries
are very common from the use of hand tools, as a piece of wood or metal can fly off and lodge in
the eye. Some of the major problems are using the wrong tool for the job or a tool that has not been
properly maintained. The size of the tool is important: some women and men with relatively small
hands have difficulty with large tools. Dull tools can make the work much harder, require more
force and result in more injuries. A chisel with a mushroomed head might shatter on impact and
send fragments flying. It is also important to have the proper work surface. Cutting material at an
awkward angle can result in a loss of balance and an injury. In addition, hand tools can produce
sparks that can ignite explosions if the work is being done around flammable liquids or vapors. In
such cases, spark-resistant tools, such as those made from brass or aluminum, are needed
(Encyclopedia, 2011).

Power tools, in general, are more dangerous than hand tools, because the power of the tool
is increased. The biggest dangers from power tools are from accidental start-up and slipping or
losing one’s balance during use. The power source itself can cause injuries or death, for example,
through electrocution with electrical tools or gasoline explosions from liquid-fuel tools. Most
power tools have a guard to protect the moving parts while the tool is not in operation. These
guards need to be in working order and not overridden. A portable circular saw, for example,
should have an upper guard covering the top half of the blade and a retractable lower guard which
covers the teeth while the saw is not operating. The retractable guard should automatically return
to cover the lower half of the blade when the tool is finished working. Power tools often also have
safety switches that shut off the tool as soon as a switch is released. Other tools have catches that
must be engaged before the tool can operate. One example is a fastening tool that must be pressed
against the surface with a certain amount of pressure before it will fire (Encyclopedia, 2011).

As most of us know, more than half (55 percent) of all 911 calls responded to by the
American fire service involve a medical emergency; less than 10 percent involve actual fire. Over
the last 10 years, the numbers of fires and fire deaths have also gradually declined, thanks to some
outstanding efforts in fire prevention.

These statistics have had a real, lasting impact on today’s fire service. Rigorous EMT/paramedic
training has become a mainstay, but fewer fires means many firefighters don’t receive the same
level of training on actual firefighting. Although the decrease in fires and fire deaths is a true
testament to the progress we’ve made, we still need hands-on training to learn proper firefighting
techniques and to keep ourselves as safe as possible on scene.

Some departments believe that when a recruit graduates from the academy or a Basic
Firefighter (NPQ Firefighter I or equivalent) program, and they’ve met all the objectives of NFPA
1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications, they’ve received all the instruction on
fire behavior, hose placement and methods of fire attack that they’ll ever need. The fact is they’ve
acquired only the basics (Fire Rescue, 2008).

Tools are particularly important in con-structural work. They are primarily use to put things
together or to take them apart. The hand tools are simple, easy to use and easy to maintain, training
and practice are required to attain and maintain capabilities the manual tools are essential because
they might be the only solutions to a problem. The power tools require use to established and
maintain the right level of competence and there are many situations, problems and overcome
while conducting structural firefighting operations.

RELATED STUDIES

Disaster preparedness is one of the important elements in disaster risk reduction and it
encompasses community awareness, readiness to render appropriate responses and quick recovery
(Ejeta et al. 2015). Little has been documented on the levels of preparedness for specific types of
disasters, especially for developing countries like Tanzania. Disaster preparedness can be
enhanced through strengthening the community capacities, education and improving the
preventive mechanisms (Mathbor 2007). Knowledge on the levels of preparedness can inform the
disaster management process and lead to well-informed plans and decisions. On the other hand,
lack of disaster preparedness as it has been reported in some categories of disaster such as floods
and landslides (Miceli et al. 2008), hurricanes (Howe 2011), earthquakes (Srinivas &
Nakagawa 2008) and fires (Kukali & Kabuka 2009) can result in negative economic and social
consequences (Wilson et al. 2007). Therefore, preparedness becomes an important aspect for
achieving sustainable disaster management. Disaster preparedness in this context is defined as the
measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. This involves prediction, where
possible prevention, mitigation, appropriate responses and effective coping mechanisms against
the consequences. Prevention and reduction as well as appropriate responses depend much on the
public awareness and the availability and condition of supportive facilities.

Fire disaster in buildings is among the known man-made disasters with the most
devastating events that cost life and properties (Shaluf 2007; Xin & Huang 2013). Globally, many
recurring fire incidences have been reported (Ibe et al. 2014). Apart from loss of property and life,
fire disasters have been associated with prevalence of diseases that have been reported to contribute
about 1% of the global diseases burden (Leistikow et al. 2000). The most devastating effects
caused by fire in buildings, as recorded in literature, include the collapse of the World Trade Centre
(Cowlard et al. 2013), and the Mumbai and Sharjah high-rise buildings fire incidences to mention
a few.

The impact of fire disasters has been very significant in high-rise buildings because most
of them are not only publicly accessed but also do accommodate many people and valuable
properties (Murage 2012). In addition, fire outbreaks in high-rise buildings have been more
complex because these are associated with rapid fire and smoke spread, difficult evacuation
procedures and firefighting as well as the possibility of accidents (Ma & Guo 2012). Therefore,
special attention will be focused on public high-rise buildings in this study.

This article presents the findings from a study that was conducted to assess the fire disasters
preparedness among users of the high-rise buildings in higher learning institutions in Dar es
Salaam Tanzania. Based on previous studies, it was established that factors, such as the presence
and condition of firefighting facilities and the public awareness on the use of the facilities, among
others, were the important and relevant factors for the prevention of fire disasters in buildings.
While the presence and condition of firefighting facilities reveals the supportive capacity of the
institution, public awareness highlights the public’s ability to render appropriate responses in case
of fire outbreak. Literature indicates that fire risk is based on human behavior (Kobes et
al. 2008, 2010). Other scholars highlighted the assessment of the risks and the public perceptions
as an essential element for reducing the risks and that it is important to include social aspects in
the provision of fire safety and management (Chow & Hung 2010; Gwynne 2008; Ibrahim et
al. 2011; Zmud 2008). Therefore, this article provides important knowledge for users of high-rise
buildings, specifically those in public institutions on how to improve the fire disaster preparedness.
The study among other issues explored the rate of visitations to the buildings; the availability and
condition of the firefighting facilities; accessibility to the available facilities; awareness on the
presence and location of the escape ways; knowledge on how to operate the facilities; frequency
of trainings and fire drills; and the level of awareness and the ability to appropriately respond in
case of fire outbreak (Kihila, 2017).

This year, and indeed in succeeding years, the Bureau of Fire Protection continues to aim
to follow its mandate and pursue measures to boost its capacity to do so, while also facing off
against corruption and irregularities. For instance, the agency has just received a shipment of 38
modern fire trucks, half of a total of 76 units, acquired via a soft loan package worth approximately
PhP1.1 billion from the government of Austria. These trucks are to see distribution in Manila and
in selected cities in various provinces in order to improve the receiving fire stations’ ability to deal
with fires. Current DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas said that these Austrian-made fire trucks were
designed for use in highly urbanized environments and that these trucks would thus significantly
boost the firefighting capacity of the Bureau of Fire Protection as a whole. The Bureau of Fire
Protection is also to continue to broaden and deepen the expertise of its firefighters. The Bureau
of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Unit is composed of firefighters who have undergone
specialized training to enable them to conduct rescue operations if need be, and thus to allow them
to mount a proper response to other catastrophes and/or emergencies instead of only fires per se.
(Sanchez, 2013).

Between 2007 and 2011, fire departments in the U.S. responded to about 5,700 structure
fires in educational facilities. Seventy-one percent of those fires were in K-12 schools, and about
half of them were intentionally set. The remaining half of fires in schools occur unintentionally
from things like malfunctioning heating units or chemicals interacting in a chemistry lab.

Emergency preparation should not be limited to indoor fires. Wildfires can pose real threats
to schools, especially those along the West and in rural areas, where dry climates and wind cause
fires to move and grow rapidly.
 Schools typically have a strong warning system in place for fires that will set off alarms
throughout the building, turn on a sprinkler system and contact emergency services. Anyone on
campus can pull manual fire alarms as well. Always be prepared to evacuate the building
immediately, even if you can’t see or smell the fire.

Wildfires take some time to grow, which can provide ample warning time to get students
to safety. However, they have a propensity to shift suddenly, so even a fire that seems far away
should be taken seriously and addressed with speed. Schools should take note of fire risk warnings,
which are common in areas where wildfires are a threat. In the event of a wildfire, alerts will be
sent out through emergency channels, like California’s Cal Fire Incidents page or Utah’s Fire
Info page. Schools, students and families should find out where to get wildfire alerts in their area
before a fire occurs (Natural Disaster Coalition, 2018).

Fire is one of the most common disasters. Fire causes more deaths than any other type of
disaster. But fire doesn't have to be deadly if you have early warning from a smoke detector and
everyone in your family knows how to escape calmly. Please be serious about the responsibility
for planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire. Be prepared by having various
household members do each of the items on the checklist below. Then get together to discuss and
finalize your personalized Fire Plan. Install smoke detectors outside each sleeping area and on
each additional level of your residence. Keep new batteries on hand.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of the Philippines is a government agency whose role
is to suppress and prevent the outbreak of destructive fires, enforce relevant laws, and provide or
help provide emergency medical and rescue services. But the BFP faces an uphill struggle in the
performance of its duties in a conflagration-prone nation such as the Philippines. The country is
saddled with aging and/or inadequately installed or constructed infrastructure, including electrical
systems, which thus pose a significant fire risk. Additionally, the combination of two of the
country’s defining characteristics – extremely hot summers and drenching monsoon seasons – put
the country’s inadequate systems under their own particular sort of pressure year-round. Nor does
the BFP get any respite during the holiday season, either. The Filipino’s addiction to fireworks,
especially during the Christmas season, constitutes a further threat to life, livelihood, and property.

It is no stretch to say that consequently, the BFP has its work cut out for it. To make matters
worse, since its creation, the BFP has come under scrutiny for having gained something of a
reputation for corruption and inefficiency. However, much effort has also been expended over the
years to bring the BFP to the level of competence and professionalism it needs in order to properly
discharge its duties. Such activities as Fire Prevention Month, an annual nationwide observance
every March – traditionally the start of summer – administered by the BFP along with local
government units, firefighting agencies, schools and other key institutions, are also legally
mandated.

Definition of Terms

Arson- the illegal burning of a building or other property. The crime of setting fire to
something.

Fire extinguisher- a metal container filled with chemicals that is used to put out a fire.

Tools- something used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation

or profession.

Structural- relating to the way something is built or organized. Relating to the structure
of something

Reforestation- the act of planting tree seeds or young trees in an area where there used to
be a forest.

Disaster- something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly
and causes much suffering or loss to many people.

Firebox- a box containing an apparatus for transmitting an alarm to a fire station.

Readiness- a developmental stage at which a child has the capacity to receive instruction
at a given level of difficulty or to engage in a particular activity.

Incident- an occurrence of seemingly minor importance, especially involving nation or

factions between which relations are strained and sensitive that can lead to serious consequences,
as an outbreak of hostilities or a war.

Intentional fires- Intentional fires are those fires that are deliberately set and
include fires that result from deliberate misuse of a heat source, fires of an incendiary nature
(arson), as well as con- trolled burn fires, such as crop clearing, that required fire service
intervention (The Ad Council, 2018).

Cooking Equipment fires- A cooking equipment are the equipment that is used for
cooking , Example are oven, stove, bread toaster and other that is used for cooking that may cause
for fire

Heat Source fires- A heat source is responsible for the initial ignition of fire, and is also
needed to maintain the fire and enable it to spread. Heat allows fire to spread by drying out and
preheating nearby fuel and warming surrounding air (Topical Fire Report Series, 2009).

Electrical fires- Electrical fire now historical 2A fire caused usually accidentally by
electricity or an electrical fault.

Fire Shelters- An aluminized tent offering protection by means of reflecting radiant heat
and providing a volume of breathable air in a fire entrapment situation. Fire shelters should only
be used in life-threatening situations, as a last resort (Fire Terminology, 2016).

Structural Hand Tools- A structural hand tools is any tools that is power by hand rather
than a motor. Categories of these are wrenches, pliers, axe, hammer, shovel etc.

Bureau of Fire Protection- The Bureau of Fire Protection is an agency of the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) responsible for implementing national policies
related to Firefighting and fire prevention as well as implementation of the Philippine Fire Code
(PD 1185), which has been repealed and replaced by the New Fire Code of the Philippines (RA
9514). Formerly known as the Integrated National Police Fire Service, the BFP is in charge of the
administration and management of municipal and city fire and emergency services all over the
country.
 Notes in Chapter II

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