Fire

Given that in the cold season, in proportion to the drop in ambient temperature, the risk of fire also increases, most fires occur in the colder months of the year, and consequently human casualties and financial losses also increase during these times. In the examinations carried out, the main reasons for the occurrence of fires in the cold season should be sought, first, in the existence of technical faults and defects in heating appliances, and second, in people's failure to observe safety standards in the correct and safe use of various heating appliances. Urban fire statistics usually increase at two times: first, in summer, when, due to the intensity of the heat, the ground is prepared for the occurrence of fires, and second, at the beginning of the cold season, when, as the weather turns cold, people mainly use various heating appliances using various types of fossil fuels or electricity.

∴ In any case, a fire may occur due to carelessness or other reasons; what should be done then? The most important issue is for us to recognize the type of fire. In fires caused by oil and fuel materials, we must know that we should never use water to extinguish them. The best way to extinguish this type of fire is to use a powder and gas extinguisher or one containing carbon dioxide gas, so that by reducing or removing oxygen, the fire is smothered at its source.

∴ What should we do during a fire? • As soon as you smell fire, take your family out of the home and quickly alert the neighbors and call the fire department. • If your home is on fire, do not return inside under any circumstances. Do not use water to extinguish oil materials or electrical appliances; extinguish it by placing a cover over it. • If paper or clothing catches fire, prevent air from reaching it or pour water on it. • Even if small items such as oil in your frying pan catch fire, be careful, because small fires quickly spread to all areas. • If someone's clothing catches fire, extinguish it by throwing a heavy blanket over it or pouring water. • Avoid disabling safety alarm systems, and if you observe any defect, report the matter. • If you hear the building alarm, pay attention to the matter, investigate it, and even inspect the location.

∴ Fire and the method of firefighting As soon as you observe any fire, while calling the fire department, with complete composure and introducing yourself, state the exact location of the fire to the message-receiving officer, and until the firefighting team arrives at the location, use the facilities available at the location, such as hand-held extinguishers, to prevent the spread of the fire and to extinguish it. Moreover, in case of observing any incident, while observing the above points, contact the clinic and, if possible, perform first aid until the ambulance arrives at the location.

∴ Types of hand-held extinguishers and how to use them

• Cylinder containing powder and air (pressurized dry chemical powder):

Cylinder color: red

Uses: Class B (liquids), C (gases), E (electrical) fires

Distinguishing mark: the presence of a pressure gauge (manometer) on the cylinder

How to use:

a) First invert the cylinder and return it to its original position.

b) Near the fire, remove the hose from its place and pull the valve safety pin.

c) Get close enough to the fire.

d) With complete composure, press the handle and extinguish it from the base of the fire in a sweeping motion.

Note:

Be careful not to confuse it with cylinders containing water and gas.

• Cylinder containing water and air (pressurized water):

Cylinder color: blue and red

Distinguishing mark: the presence of a pressure gauge (manometer) on top of the cylinder

Use: small Class A (solids) fires

How to use:

a) Near the fire, remove the hose from its place and pull the valve safety pin.

b) Get close enough to the fire.

c) With complete composure, press the handle and extinguish the fire in a sweeping motion.

Note:

Before use, pay attention to the label on the cylinder and find out its type.

Never use this type of cylinder to extinguish electrical fires.

• Cylinder containing CO2 gas:

Cylinder color: red and black

Distinguishing mark: the presence of a horn-shaped nozzle on it

Use: Class E (electrical) fires

How to use:

a) Hold the hose from the intended place.

b) Press the discharge handle lever or open the discharge valve so that the gas exits from the nozzle.

Note: Avoid touching the discharge nozzle (horn). When the gas exits, a loud noise is heard; do not be frightened by the sound of the extinguisher and continue extinguishing. In enclosed spaces, avoid excessive use of this type of cylinder, because it may cause a lack of oxygen and suffocation.