Course Learning Outcomes for Unit V Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to: 4. Describe and apply the process of burning. 4.1 Analyse the three significant differences between the burning of solid fuel and the burning of gaseous and liquids fuels. 4.2 Illustrate the hazards and harm of smoke exposure to individuals from the burning process. 6. Discuss various materials and their relationship to fires as fuel. 6.1 Evaluate how char formation and melting occur and how they affect the burning rate. 8. Articulate other suppression agents and strategies. 8.1 Define four classes of mechanisms by which fire retardant additives act to modify ignition and burning of solids. Reading Assignment Chapter 9: Fire Characteristics: Solid Combustibles Chapter 11: Smoke and Heat Hazards 

Unit Lesson Several decades ago some fire instructors taught fire behavior and combustion based on construction techniques and materials used, as well as on the materials used in the manufacturing of furniture. These factors led instructors to state, “every fire is the same” using the fire triangle to illustrate their statement. On the other hand, some instructors then and today believe that, every fire is different and requires different types of extinguishment. Which statement is correct for today’s fire service? According to Madrzykowski (2013): Every fire is different—Yet from a science perspective, most fires share some basic similarities. The fire-heat release is due to exothermic, gas-phase, chemical reactions that produce heat and light, and they require three components to sustain the chemical reaction— fuel, oxygen, and heat. (p. 7) Even though the fuel, oxygen, and heat to sustain chemical reaction have not changed, the materials used in the manufacturing of furnishings have changed. “In the 1950s, a wide range of synthetic materials called polymers became available for use in clothing, furniture, interior finish, and insulation” (Madrzykowski, 2013, p.8). The commercial introduction of different types of synthetic polymers, such as “polyester, nylon, and polyurethane foam became commonplace in homes” (Madrzykowski, 2013, p. 8) have changed the pyrolysis of combustible materials. In addition, today we find multiple synthetic polymers and flammability liquids in garages such as polyurethane foam, liquid fuels, gasoline, kerosene, glues, oil based stains, and charcoal lighter fluid. Each of these products and their physical characteristics has made firefighting more dangerous due to their volatility and flame spread rate. The pyrolysis of these products to form gaseous fragments is different today than in the pre-50s. Solid wood furniture with minimal glue and synthetic polymers has different characteristics than pressboard laminates with plastic finishes sold today. How is the gasification of these products different? According to Gann and Friedman (2015):

Attachments:

• 1516710501-Unit V Powerpoint Presentation.pdf
• 1516710502-Unit V Study Guide.pdf