CDI 6: Fire Behavior and Arson

Investigation

JAMES R. DELA CRUZ, Reg. Crim.

DISCLAIMER: No part of this module may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or
otherwise without the prior written permission of the author/s. This module is distributed for
the students of Aklan State University intended for academic purposes only.
INTRODUCTION

Fire is useful in man’s existence in planet Earth. One cannot imagine living in an
environment without fire! Man needs fire to keep him warm, to enable him to cook his food, and
many other things that need the benefits afforded by fire. Yet, fire has also become a threat to
life and property.

While fire has helped much in shaping and developing the country’s industries, it has
also done its conditioned by the care which man applied in handling it. As much, the task of fire
prevention/control has become a pressing concern of the government, alongside with the
responsibility of curbing lawlessness in the country. This is so, in the face of the alarming figure
of losses yearly, resulting from reported conflagrations.

The treat of conflagration is greater in cities and municipalities where establishments

tend to employ machines that require a greater capacity of working power. Under these
circumstances the need for a functional fire prevention program is imperative to avoid the vast
damages wrought by fire. The people’s chances against the dangers of fire depend on the
extent to which fire prevention program is implemented.

A continues inspection program is necessary to ensure compliance with fire regulations.

It can eliminate conditions that contribute to fire hazards. Thorough inspection must be made by
qualified fire department personnel of each building, structures, process, activity, and area at
regular intervals. Such inspection of physical hazards that arise from carelessness or incorrect
procedures.

The continuing reliability of fire protection equipment and devices is too important to be
taken for granted. Frequent inspections are necessary to be sure that such installed portable
equipment is properly installed or located, maintained and ready for immediate use when the
need arise.

Moreover, it is enlightening to note that a fire conscious populace is the strongest

deterrent to the outbreak of fires and eventually banishes fires in the community.

Inherently, the duties of fire prevention always belong to the people by whose hands
many fires are caused. Thus, it is of great importance to everyone to comply with the
requirements of their local fire safety ordinances, to be always fire-safety-conscious in
disposition, for it is only in this way that disastrous fire can be best averted.

Chapter 1
Lesson 1.1-Theorise of Combustion

1.) Fire Triangle Theory – Three elements necessary to create/produced fire in equal
proportion;
2.) Fire Tetrahedron Theory – The fourth element of fire known as the “Chemical chain
reaction.”
3.) Life Cycle of Fire Theory – Stages/step wherein fire is created.
out.
a
H
y
x
O
e
u
F
n
t
l
g
Elements of a Fire
For many years the concept of fire was symbolized by the Triangle of Combustion and
represented, fuel, heat, and oxygen, and removing any one of the three elements will put the fire

3. Remove the Fuel

ELEMENTS OF FIRE:

Fire Triangle
Figure 1

Using the same theory, there are three ways to extinguish fire:

1. Reduce the temperature (cooling)

2. Cut-off the Oxygen supply

1. Heat – a form of energy measured in degree of temperature, the product of

Fuel Sources:
combustion that caused the spread of fire. For a fire to start there must be a
source of ignition, usually heat or a spark. Heat sources include: open flame, hot
surfaces, sparks and arcs, friction-chemical action, electrical energy and
compression of gases.
2. Oxygen – a colorless and odorless gas and one of the compositions of air that
supports fire which is approximately 21% by volume. Oxygen – 16% is required.
Normal air contains 21% oxygen. Some fuels contain enough oxygen within their
make-up to support burning.
3. Fuel – any substance/ combustibles which react chemically with oxygen and
produces flames. For a fire to start there must be something to burn. The
physical state of the fuel may be gases (natural gas, propane, butane, hydrogen,
etc.); liquids (gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, alcohol, paint, varnish, lacquer, etc.)
or solid (coal, wood, paper, cloth, grease, etc.)

1. Solid – molecules are closely packed together.

2. Liquid – molecules are loosely packed.
3. Gas – molecules are free to moved.
Common types of solids:

A. Bulky B. Finely Divided C. Dust

1. Coal 1. Plastic 1. Saw dust
2. Wood 2. Paper 2. Sugar
3. Wax 3. Cork 3. Grain
4. Grease 4. Leather 4. Others

Common types of gases:

1. Natural gas
2. Propane
3. Butane
4. Hydrogen
5. Acetylene
6. Carbon monoxide
7. Others

Common types of liquids:

1. Gasoline
2. Kerosene
3. Turpentine
4. Alcohol
5. Cod liver oil
6. Paint
7. Varnish
8. Lacquer
9. Olive oil

FIRE TETRAHEDRON

Figure 2
Fire Tetrahedron

The fire triangle describes the three elements of a fire as shown in (Figure 1.) Another
explanation of the requirement of combustion uses a four-sided figure called tetrahedron, a new
theory that explains combustion and extinguishment (W.M. HAESSLER).

Fire Tetrahedron, the combustion reaction can be characterized by four components; the
fuel, the oxidizing agent, heat, and an uninhibited chemical chain reaction. These four
components have been classically symbolized by a four-sided solid geometric form called a
tetrahedron (see figure 2). Fires can be prevented or suppressed by controlling or removing one
or more of the sides of the tetrahedron.

The fourth element of the tetrahedron explanation is known as chemical reactivity, or

chemical reaction. Both theories are used to explain what causes fire. Each element of
tetrahedron must be in place for combustion to occur. This theory is extremely important to
students of fire suppression, prevention, and investigation. If ignition has already started, the fire
is extinguished, if one of the elements is removed from the reaction.

When fuel is heated, it gives off vapour which if mixed with the correct amount of air, can
then be ignited by a heat source. Figure 3 shows the formation of fire according to the
tetrahedron concept.

The pan filled with liquid fuel as an example is shown giving off vapours before it can
ignite. The vapour area is closes to the fuel. As the temperature of liquid fuel rises, the
molecules separate, or breakdown into elements of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and lighter
hydrocarbon molecules, are causing these particles to react with the oxygen of the surrounding
air. In this area, the oxygen is introduced and begins to mix with these particles, and the
reaction starts. This is the reaction area.

Elements of Fire Tetrahedron

1. Oxygen (oxidizing agent) – material/substance that yield oxygen or oxidizing gases
during the process of a chemical reaction. Oxidizers are not themselves combustible, but
they support combustion when combined with fuel. For purposes of discussion, the
oxygen in the air in the surrounding area is considered the primary oxidizing agent.

2. Fuel (Reducing agent) – material or substance being burned in the combustion

process. The fuel in a combustion reaction is known as the reducing agent. Most
common fuels contain carbon along with combinations of hydrogen and oxygen.

3. Heat (Temperature) – the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat comes
in contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion process. A form of energy
generated by the transmission of some other form of energy, as in combustion or
burning.

4. Self Sustained Chemical Reaction – (the fourth element) – a series of events that
occur in sequence with the results of each individual reaction being added to the rest.

Once flaming starts, it can only continue when enough heat or energy is produced to cause
the continued chain reaction.
 Combustion Reaction/Process:
- Causes pyrolysis or vaporization of solid and liquid fuels and the production of
ignitable vapours or gases;
- Provides the energy necessary for ignition;
- Causes the continuous production and ignition of fuel vapours or gases to continue
the combustion reaction.

Common Source of Heat

Types of Energy
1. Chemical Energy
2. Electrical Energy
3. Nuclear Energy
4. Mechanical Energy
5. Heat
6. Lights

Chemical Energy:

The most common source of heat in combustion reactions. Energy released as a result
of a chemical reaction such as combustion. When any combustibles are in contact with oxygen
oxidation occurs.

Example:
a) Heat generated from a burning match
b) Self-heating (spontaneous heating)

Electrical Energy:

An energy developed when electrons flow through a conductor. Electrical energy can
generate temperatures high enough to ignite any combustible materials near the heated gases.

Factors involving Electrical Heating:

a) Current flow through a resistance

b) Arcing
c) Sparking
d) Static
e) Lightning

Nuclear Energy:

An energy generated when atoms either split apart (fission) or combine (fusion). Nuclear
power plants generate power as a result of the fission or Uranium-235.

Examples:

a) Fission heats water to drive steam turbines and produce electricity

b) The solar energy is a product of a fusion reaction (a form of nuclear energy)
Mechanical Energy:

An energy created by friction and compression.

Heat of friction – the movement two surfaces against each other. This movement
produced sparks being generated.

Heat of Compression – heat is generated when a gas is compressed in a container or

cylinder.

Energy exists in two types:

a) Potential Energy – an energy possessed by an object that can be released in the

future.

b) Kinetic Energy – an energy possessed by a moving object.

Heat :

An energy that is transferred between two objects of differing temperature such as sun
and the earth.

Lights:

A visible radiation created at the atomic level such flame produced during combustion.

Combustion or Burning - is a complex sequence of exothermic chemical reactions between a

fuel and an oxidant accompanied by the production of heat or both heat and light in the form of
either a glow or flames, appearance of light flickering.

Direct combustion by atmospheric oxygen is a reaction mediated by radical

intermediates. The conditions for radical production are naturally produced by thermal runaway,
where the heat generated by combustion is necessary to maintain the high temperature
necessary for radical production.

In a complete combustion reaction, a compound reacts with an oxidizing element, such

as oxygen or fluorine, and the products are compounds of each element in the fuel with the
oxidizing element.

Fire and combustion are terms that are often used interchangeably. Technically
speaking, fire is a form of combustion. Combustion is a self-sustaining chemical reaction
producing energy or products that cause more reactions of the same kind. Combustion is an
exothermic reaction.
 Fire is a rapid, self sustaining oxidization process accompanied by the release of heat
and light of different intensities. The time it makes a reaction to occur determines the type of
reaction that is observed.

At the very slow end of the time spectrum is oxidation, where the reaction is too slow to
be observed. At the faster end of the spectrum are explosions that result from the rapid reaction
of a fuel and an oxidizer. These reactions release a large amount of energy over a vary short
period of time. (see figure 34).

The Nature of Fire

Often a misconception is fire burns the actual chair or piece of wood. It is the gases
given off by an object that burns. Heat causes objects to give off these flammable gasses.
When the gasses reach their ignition temperature you see the light given off during the oxidation
known as fire. Fire itself generates more heat to the object and thus an endless cycle begins
until all of the gases have been exhausted from an object. Then the remaining particles or ash
are what is left.

Even the most flammable materials (capable of being easily ignited) do not actually burn.
The vapour given off by a material is the part that burns. When a piece of wood is ignited, the
fire is not from the burning wood, rather, from the vapours that are given off by the wood. The
heat causes the substance in the wood to vaporize. The heated vapours mix quickly with
oxygen in the air and fire results.

This process is known as Pyrolysis.

Pyrolysis defined:

The chemical process whereby fire consumes the most solid part of the fuel. It is the
thermal decomposition of a solid fuel through the action of heat.

The Process of Pyrolysis:

- The fuel is heated until its temperature reaches its fire point;
- Decomposition takes place- moisture in the fuel is converted into vapour;
- Decomposition produces combustible vapours that rise to the surface of the fuel.
These combustible vapours are technically termed as free-radicals;
- Free-radicals undergo combustion if proper amount of oxygen is present.
The Most Common Type of Free-radicals (combustible vapours)

1. Hydrogen gas
2. Carbon Monoxide
3. Carbon Dioxide
4. Nitrogen

Products of Combustion:

1. Fire gases – chemical composition of the fuel, percent of oxygen present, and the
temperature of the fire. Are those that remain when other products of combustion cool to
normal temperature.

Common combustibles contain carbon, which forms carbon dioxide and carbon
monoxide when burned.
Records of fatal fires show that more people died from inhaling these super-heated and
toxic fire gases than from any other cause. The complete combustion of fuels containing
carbon will produce CO2, but seldom will there be enough oxygen for complete combustion.
When only part of the carbon is oxidized, carbon monoxide is formed.

When CO is not the most toxic fire gas, it causes more deaths than any other gases
because it robs the body of oxygen. It burns rapidly when combined with oxygen at high
temperatures, causing dangerous backdraft or explosions. Carbon Monoxide, which is
sewers, caves, well, mines, stove furnaces, and automobile exhaust.

2. Flame – the luminous body of a burning gas which gets hotter and less luminous when
mixed with more oxygen. Flame fades when carbon burns completely, so flame is
considered a product of incomplete combustion. It is the manifestation of fire when the
fire is in its gas phased combustion.
Flame Defined

A flame is the visible (light-emitting) part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic

reaction (for example, combustion, a self-sustaining oxidation reaction) taking place in a thin
zone. If a fire is hot enough to ionize the gaseous components, it can become a plasma.

Types of Flames:

A. According to Color and Completeness of Combustions.

1. Luminous flame – a reddish-orange in color, it deposits soot because it is a product of
incomplete combustion; it has lower temperature.

2. Non-luminous flame – bluish in color; it does not deposit soot because it is a product of
complete combustion; it has a higher temperature than luminous flame.
B. According to Burning Fuel and Air Mixture:

1. Premixed flame – example of a Bunsen burner.

2. Diffusion flame – example of flame of the oxyacetylene torch (diffused-dispersed;

widely spread).
C. Based on Smoothness:
1. Laminar flame – (smooth flame) flame is laminar when a particle follows a smooth path
through a gaseous flame.

2. Turbulent flame – (rough flame) those having unsteady, irregular swirls and eddies.

3. Heat - a form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy.
Heat defined

A form of energy measured in degree of temperature, it is the product of combustion that

spread the fire. It causes burns and other injuries such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and
carbon monoxide formation are the primary hazards in fires.

Energy transferred from one body to another when the temperatures of the bodies differ.
Heat is the most common form of energy found on earth. Temperature is an indicator of heat
and is measure the warmth or coldness of an object based on some standards. In most cases at
present, the standards used is based on the freezing (32*F and 0*C), and boiling points (212*F
and 100*C), of water. Temperature is measured using degrees Celsius in SI and degrees
Fahrenheit in the Customary System.

Smoke – a visible product of incomplete combustion, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, CO, CO2
and finely divided particles released from the burning material.
Life Cycle of Fire Theory – stage/steps wherein fire is created.

 Fuel
 Oxygen
 Proportioning
 Mixing
 Ignition continuity

PROPERTIES OF FIRE:

A. Physical Properties

1. Specific gravity – the ratio of the weight of a solid or substance to the weight of an
equal volume of water. (Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density of a given
solid or liquid substance to the density of water at a specific temperature and pressure,
typically at 4*C (39*F) and 1 atm (760.00 mmHg), making it a dimensionless quantity).

2. Vapour density – the weight of a volume of pure gas compared to the weight of a
volume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure.

In many web sources, the vapour density is defined with respect to air, not hydrogen. With
this definition, the vapour density would indicate whether a gas is denser (greater than one)
or less dense (less than one) than air. The density has implications for container storage
and personnel safety if a container can release a dense gas, its vapour could sink and, if
flammable, collect until it is at a concentration sufficient for ignition. Even if not flammable, it
could collect in the lower floor or level of a confined space and displace air, to present a
smothering hazard to individuals entering the lower part of that space.

3. Vapor pressure – the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at
equilibrium. The vapour pressure of a liquid is the equilibrium pressure of a vapour
above its liquid (or solid); that is, the pressure of the vapour resulting from evaporation
of a liquid (or solid) above a sample of the liquid (or solid) in a closed container. The
vapour pressure of a liquid is the equilibrium pressure of a vapour above its liquid (or
solid); that is, the pressure of the vapor resulting from evaporation of a liquid (or solid)
above a sample of the liquid (or solid) in a closed container.

4. Temperature – the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given

substance; the measure of the molecular activity within a substance. Temperature is
measured with thermometers that may be calibrated to a variety of temperature scales.
In most of the world (except for Myanmar, Liberia and the United States), the degree
Celsius scale is used for most temperature measuring purposes. The entire scientific
world (these countries included) measures temperature using the Celsius scale and
thermodynamic temperature using the Kelvin scale, which is just the Celsius scale
shifted downwards so that 0 k1=273.15*C, or absolute zero.

5. Boiling point – the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is
equal to the atmospheric pressure.
 The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid
equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid. A liquid in a vacuum environment
has a lower boiling point than when the liquid is at atmospheric pressure. A liquid in a high
pressure environment has a higher boiling point than when the liquid is at atmospheric
pressure. In other words, the boiling point of liquids varies with and depens upon the
surrounding environmental pressure.

6. Ignition temperature or kindling temperature – the minimum temperature to which the

substance in the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self-contained
combustion without the addition of heat from outside sources.

7. Fire point – the temperature at which the material will give off sample vapours to keep
burning. There is usually about 5 to 10 degree difference between the flashpoint and the
fire point of most materials. Since these two are just a few degrees apart.

8. Flashpoint – the temperature at which a material is not hot enough to keep burning, but
still gives off enough vapours to cause a flame to “flash” across the surface. The term
“flashpoint” is used to express the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is
vaporizing fast enough to keep burning.

B. Chemical Properties:

1. Endothermic reaction – are changes whereby energy (heat) is absorbed or is added

before the reaction takes place.

2. Exothermic reaction – reactions or changes that release or give energy (heat) thus
they produce substance with less energy than the reactants.

3. Oxidation – a chemical change in which combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing

agent react.

4. Combustion/flame – the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas-phased

combustion. A matter that is produced by fire.

Vapour Density:

The term used to explain the weight of vapours is “vapour density”. In order to measure
the weight of these vapours we usually compare them to air, which is considered to have a
vapour density of 1.00. Therefore, if we say that a substance has a vapour density of 1,5, it
means that is on-and-a-half times as heavy as air under the same conditions of pressure and
temperature.

If a substance has a vapour density of .7, it is lighter than air, weighing only 7/10 as
much as an equal volume of air. (Gases with a vapour of less than 1 will rise, and those with
vapour densities greater than 1 will fall.
The following chart list the Vapour Density (air = for some of the more common flammable
materials:

MATERIALS VAPOR DENSITY

Acetylene 0.9
Butane 2.0
Gasoline 3-4
Hydrogen 0.1
JP-4 3.0
Kerosene 3.0
Propane 1.6

PHASES OF BURNING/THE THREE STAGES OF FIRE:

The methods fire fighters use to extinguish a fire will depend largely on the phase in
which they find the fire.

Factors to be considered in determining phase of burning:

1. The amount of time the fire has burned;

2. The ventilation characteristics of the confining structure;
3. The amount and type of combustibles present.
Fires generally have three (3) progressive stages based on the following factors:

1.) incipient/Beginning phase – it is the initial stage of fire.

Characteristics:
a) Normal room temperature
b) Oxygen plentiful
c) Thermal updraft rise accumulates at higher point.
d) Flame temperature of 1000 degrees F
e) Producing pyrolysis products: (CO2, CO, SO2, water vapour, & other gases).

2.) Free-Burning Phase – the second phase of burning in which materials or structures
are burning in the presence of adequate oxygen.

Characteristics:

a) Fire has involved more fuel

b) Oxygen supply is depleted
c) Heat accumulates at upper area
d) Temperature exceeds 1,300*F (705*C)
e) Area is fully involved
3.) Smouldering Phase – the final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense
smoke and heat completely fill the confined room.

Characteristics:

a) Flames may die and leave only glowing embers or super heated fuel under
pressure with little oxygen
b) Intense heat will vaporize lighter fuel components, such as hydrogen and
methane, increasing the hazard
c) Temperature throughout the building is very high and normal breathing is not
possible.
d) Oxygen deficiency may cause back draft.
Backdraft

Fire fighters operating at fires in buildings must use precautionary measures when
opening a building to gain entry, by providing ventilation either by horizontal/cross ventilation
(opening doors or windows) or vertical ventilation (opening a hole at the highest portion of the
affected part of the building). As the fire grows in a confine area, large volumes of hot, unburned
fire gases can collect in unventilated spaces. These gases may be at or above their ignition
temperature but have insufficient oxygen available to actually ignite. Any action taken during fire
fighting operations that allows air to mix with these hot gases can result in an explosive ignition
called backdraft (Figure 21).

The danger for backdraft can be minimized with proper application of vertical ventilation
causing the unburned gases rise and release through the opening before an entry is made.

Conditions that indicate the danger for Backdraft:

a) Pressurized smoke exiting small openings

b) Black smoke becoming dense grey yellow.
c) Confinement and excessive heat
d) Little or no visible flame
e) Smoke leaving the building in puffs or at intervals
f) Smoke stained windows.
Flashover

Flashover occurs when a room or other area is heated enough that flames sweep over
the entire surface. Fire fighters originally believed that combustible gases released during the
early stages of the fire cause flashover by collecting at the ceiling and mixing with air until they
burst into flames.
Flashover defined:

The point in a fire at which other combustibles within the area ignite, changing the fire
from one object on fire to many objects on fire. Flashover occurs with the initial ignition of the
fire in the original object, but on a much larger scale. Combustible gases coming from the
materials in a room rise and collect at the ceiling, thus, these gases ignite, bringing sheet of
flame across the ceiling and raising the overall temperature of the room as the gases are
consumed.

When flashover occurs, fire-fighters have only two seconds to escape the room before
the temperature rise up drastically that they will suffer heat-related injury or death.

Temperatures ranging from 1000*F (538*C) to 1500*F (816*C) is very dangerous within
seconds to fire fighters with or without protective clothing.

Rollover defined:

The point at which gases produced by pyrolysis ignites. It involves only any gases and is
typified by a brief, sudden ignition in the overhead air.

If the volatile gases around the ceiling have been disturbed through the improper cooling
with water, but not vented, ignition may occur at lower room heights- a danger for fire fighters.
To avoid this to happen, the base of the fire must first wet water before cooling the upper levels.
Open ventilation at ceiling heights will also help by allowing these heated gases to escape.
 Combustible material is grouped into one of four classifications. These classes of fuel
help to simplify fire fighting methods and techniques.

Classification of Fire:

By knowing the classes of fire a certain material will fall into, you will be able to make
intelligent fire fighting decisions.

A. Based on Cause:

1. Natural fire
2. Accidental fire
3. Intentional fire

B. Based on Burning Fuel:

Four (4) Classes of Fire

1. Class A – materials involving vegetable fibers, wood, paper straw, grain, and grass;
combustible minerals such as coal and coke. Nearly all thrash fires are considered as
Class A.

2. Class B – materials including petroleum products such as gasoline, fuel oils, lubricating
oils, and greases; animal fats such as butter, lard, and tallow; vegetable extracts such as
alcohol, linseed oil, and turpentine; vegetable compounds such as shortenings and
oleomargarines; natural gases and compressed gases such as butane, propane,
hydrogen, and acetylene.
3. Class C – this type of fire involves electrical motors, electrical appliances and apparatus.
Actually a Class C fire is composed usually of Class A and Class B materials or a
combination of both. Use of water is usually dangerous because of the risk of electrical
shock.
 4. Class D – these are materials involving combustible metals, alloys, or metal compounds
either in a solid, semi solid or liquid state. They may further reduce in shavings,
grindings, granules, or dust. Some liquid metals are kept in a liquid state under pressure.
Usually these liquid metals are extremely dangerous. Some of the more unusual metals
are: sodium (NA), magnesium, titanium, sodium potassium, and uranium as well as
pyrophoric organometallic reagents such as alkylithiums, grignards and diethylzinc.
These type of materials burn at high temperatures and will react violently with water, air,
and/or other chemicals.

5. Class K - these are materials involved in the kitchen fires. This classification was added
to the NFPA portable extinguishers Standard in 1998.

Classification of Fire Extinguishers:

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires involving different
types of fuels. They are classified as Class A,B,C, or D (or a combination) depending on the fire
against which their agents are effective.

The class of extinguisher should be indicated on the extinguisher shell/container. The

“picture-symbol” labelling system used is designed to make the operation of fire extinguishers
more effective and safe to use through the use of less confusing pictorial labels.
 The system also emphasizes when not to use an extinguisher on certain types of fires.

Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and
paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the
fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.
 Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as
grease, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate
number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to
extinguish.

Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of
fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that
the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific
for the type of metal in question. There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers. These
extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other
types of metal fires.
 Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be a
labelled with more than one designator.

Spontaneous Heating:

Spontaneous heating and spontaneous ignition start as a result of a chemical reaction

within the material- a reaction independent of any outside source of heat. Spontaneous heating
begins a cycle of oxidation that builds up heat very slowly in its first stage. The condition that
builds up temperature high enough to cause ignition is called spontaneous ignition. In most
materials this process develops slowly and does not reach its ignition point for days or even
weeks; consequently, fires may break out today that were actually started days before. Usually
there is enough air to allow oxidation, but not enough ait to carry the heat from the area. Some
of the common materials that may spontaneously heated and ignited are animal, sawdust, hay,
grain and cotton.

Propagation of Fires

Propagation of fire simply means the spread of fire. As a substance burns, fire
propagation will be increased by the transmission of heat by nearby materials. This condition
causes additional vapors to be released thereby spreading the fires.

Types of Heat Transmission:

1. Conduction – it is the transmission of heat through an object/medium or conductor,

such as pipe, metal, hot-air duct, wire. Or even wall.

2. Radiation – the transmission through the discharge and spread of heat from a heated or
burning source. This radiation takes place through the air or through space that cause
another flammable object to ignite.
3. Convection – it is the transmission of heat by the moving currents of liquid or gas.
When these gases or liquids are heated, they start to move within themselves; and by
their free motion, circulation starts.

4. Flame contact – heat may be conducted from one body to another by direct flame
contact. Fire spreads along or through burning material by flame contact. When a
material is heated to the point where flammable vapours are releases, the vapours may
be ignited. Any other flammable material may be heated to its ignition temperature by
direct contact with the flame or burning vapours.
Intensity of Fire

Intensity of fire means simply “how hot the fire is burning”. Some types of fuels naturally
burn hotter (more intensely) than others. For example, a gasoline fire burns hotter than a wood
fire, while an acetylene flame is hotter than a gasoline flame.

Factors to determine the intensity of fire:

1. Type of fuel
2. Percentage of oxygen present

Explosive Limits

The term “explosive limits” means the amount (expressed in percent) of fuel vapour that
can be mixed with air to form an explosive or flammable mixture. If less that this amount is used,
the mixture will not burn. This is known as “lean” to burn. If more than this amount is used, the
mixture is called too “rich” and will not burn.

The minimum (lower) and maximum (upper) limits of the proportion of vapour to air in
which to the air. The magnitude of fire is not always determined by the amount of fuel exposed
to the air.
 The temperature at which the material is not hot enough to keep burnings, but still gives
off enough vapours to cause a flame to “flash” across surface.

Fire point

The temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning. There
is usually about 5 to 10 degrees difference between the flashpoint and fire point of most
materials. Since the two are just a few degrees apart, the term “flashpoint” is used to express
the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is vaporizing fast enough to keep burning.

Since these two are just a few degrees apart, the term “flashpoint” is used to express the
condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is vaporizing fast enough to keep burning. “fire
point” is the term normally used only when more technical or detailed measurement is required.

Ignition Temperature

Ignition temperature is the degree of heat necessary to ignite flammable vapours. This
temperature can come from an external source (match, spark, and friction) or if the fuel itself is
raised to this temperature, auto ignition (self ignition) will occur.

The following are explosive limits (percent by volume in air) for some of the more
common fuels:

FUEL LOWER LIMIT UPPER LIMIT

Acetylene 2.5% 80.0%

Butane 1.9% 8.5%
Gasoline 1.4%-1.5% 7.4%-7.6%
Hydrogen 4.0% 75.0%
JP-4 1.3% 6.5%
Propane 2.2% 9.5%
 CHAPTER 2
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eight day of July, and two
thousand eight.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 9514             December 19, 2008

Repealed PD 1185

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES,

REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008".

Section 2. It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety and promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires and
promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this end, the State
shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and
safety measures, and promote accountability for fire safety in the fire protection service and
prevention service.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Fire Code, the following words and phrases
shall mean and be construed as indicated:

Abatement - Any act that would remove or neutralize a 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 (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 delay their spread to other
parts of the building by means of smoke sealed and fire resistant doors, walls and floors.
It shall also mean 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 explosions.

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.

Section 4. Applicability of The Code. - The provisions of the Fire Code shall apply to all
persons and all private and public buildings, facilities or structures erected or constructed before
and after its effectivity.

Section 5. Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code. - This Code shall be
administered and enforced by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct supervision
and control of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of organization
as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. with the approval of the Secretary of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the BFP, is hereby authorized to:

a. Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards, schedules of

fees/fire service charges and administrative penalties therefore as provided in the
pertinent provisions of this Code;

b. Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;

c. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations in the
country who shall undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency
medical services and related emergency response trainings and competency
evaluations to be conducted by the BFP. In the case of the Fire practitiones, they shall
undergo mandatory continuous professional education and competency evaluation of
their expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of fire science, engineering and
technology to be conducted by the BFP;

The BFP may enter into external party agreements for the conduct of training,
education and evaluation of fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer
organizations, which shall be under the full control and supervision of the
BFP: Provided, however, That during firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations
shall be under the direct operational control of the fire ground commanders of the BFP;

d. Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or negotiations in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the
 Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire
protection and fire fighting investigation, rescue, paramedics, hazardous material
handling equipment, supplies, materials and related technical services necessary for the
fire services;

e. Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus, agencies,

offices and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions, in order to
define areas of cooperation and coordination and delineate responsibility on fire
prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression and other matters of
common concern;

f. Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local government assistance
to render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this Code;

g. Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized representative, who
shall conduct an inspection of every building or structure within his area of responsibility
at least once a year and every time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew
his/her business permit or permit to operate;

No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a

Fire Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her duly
authorized representative;

h. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for

dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials as set forth in this Code, provided that
in case of single family dwelling, an inspection must be upon the consent of the
occupant or upon lawful order from the proper court. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials
and/or stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set by this
Code or its implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent laws;

i. Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and property, to order the
owner/occupant of any building or structure to summarily abate such hazardous
conditions;

j. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications, and other
pertinent documents of said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes and
standards; and

k. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on portion of any
work due to absence, or in violation of approved plans and specifications, permit and/or
clearance or certification as approved by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative. The notice shall state the nature of the violation and no work shall be
continued on that portion until the violation has been corrected.

Section 6. Technical Staff. - The Chief, BFP shall constitute a technical staff of highly qualified
persons who are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression. They may
be drawn not only from the organic members of the BFP and other government offices and
agencies, but also from other sources. In the latter case, they will either be appointed into the
service or hired as consultants in accordance with law. The technical staff shall study, review
and evaluate latest developments and standards on fire technology; prepare plans/programs on
fire safety, prevention and suppression and evaluate implementation thereof; develop programs
on the professionalization of the fire service; coordinate with appropriate government and
private institutions for the offering of college courses on fire technology and fire protection
engineering; propose amendments to the Fire Code; advise the Chief, BFP on any matter
brought to his attention; and perform such other functions as directed on any matter brought to
his attention and perform such other functions as directed by higher authorities.

Section 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions, and Protective

and/or Warning Systems. - As may be defined and provided in the Rules and Regulations,
owners, administrators or occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and
other responsible persons shall be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate:

a. Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Chief,

BFP or his duly authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits and/or
licenses by local governments and other government agencies concerned, for the:

(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their premises including

the installation or fire protection and fire safety equipment, and electrical system
in any building structure or facility; and

(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable,

toxic and other hazardous materials;

b. Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall be required for
the manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials involving:

(1) cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind;

(2) combustible fibers;

(3) cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and plastic foam;

(4) flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any classification;

(5) flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;

(6) high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;

(7) metallic magnesium in any form;

(8) corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide, nitromethane,

ammonium nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or
cryogenic materials or poisonous gases as well as material compounds which
when exposed to heat or flame become a fire conductor, or generate excessive
smoke or toxic gases;
 (9) blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive materials, blasting
caps, black powder, liquid nitro-glycerine, dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of
any kind, and plastic explosives containing ammonium salt or chlorate;

(10) fireworks materials of any kind or form;

(11) matches in commercial quantities;

(12) hot ashes, live coals and embers;

(13) mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/by products;

(14) combustible waste materials for recycling or resale;

(15) explosive dusts and vapors; and

(16) agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may undergo

spontaneous combustion.

(17) any other substance with potential to cause harm to persons, property or the
environment because of one or more of the following: a) The chemical properties
of the substance; b) The physical properties of the substance; c) The biological
properties of the substance. Without limiting the definition of hazardous material,
all dangerous goods, combustible liquids and chemicals are hazardous materials.

c. Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes - Fire Safety measures shall be

required for the following hazardous operation/processes:

(1) welding or soldering;

(2) industrial baking and drying;

(3) waste disposal;

(4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;

(5) smelting and forging;

(6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;

(7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and

(8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be prescribed in the

Rules and Regulations.

d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System - Owners,

occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their premises or facilities, except
such other buildings or structures as may be exempted in the rules and regulations to be
promulgated under Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire safety
 construction, protective and warning system, and shall develop and implement fire safety
programs, to wit:

(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels or
standpipe systems and other fire fighting equipment;

(2) Fire Alarm systems;

(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage areas
from other occupancies in the same building;

(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors and
walls extending up to the next floor slab or roof, curtain boards and other fire
containing or stopping components;

(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way or
safe dispersal area;

(6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of egress sealed
from smoke and heat;

(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from each
other room to appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the door of such room;

(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;

(9) Fire dampers in centralized airconditioning ducts;

(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and

(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency lights to
adequately illuminate exit ways in case of power failure.

Section 8. Prohibited Acts. - The following are declared as prohibited act and omission.

(a) Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked for fire
safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of stairways,
hallways, corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any
kind, or tolerating or allowing said violations;

(b) Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to buildings components and yards
which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment;

(c) Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the Fire Service, or of duly
organized and authorized fire brigades;

(d) Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants;

 (e) Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie
houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in
other assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to
provide safe exits;

(f) Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;

(g) Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or
dampers;

(h) Use of fire protective of fire fighting equipment of the fire service other than for fire
fighting except in other emergencies where their use are justified;

(i) Giving false or malicious fire alarms;

(j) Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or throwing of

cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire;

(k) Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without

appropriate safety measures;

(l) Removing. destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag
posted or required by the fire service for fire safety in any building, structure or
processing equipment; and

(m) Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical
system beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to
undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system.

Section 9. Violation, Penalties and Abatement of Fire Hazard. - Fire hazards shall be abated
immediately. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative, upon the report that a
violation of this Code or other pertinent laws, rules and regulations is being committed, shall
issue notice/order to comply to the owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible
for the condition of the building or structure, indicating among other things, the period within
which compliance shall be effected, which shall be within ten (10) to fifteen (15) days after the
receipt of the notice/order, depending on the reasonableness to adequately comply with the
same.

If, after the lapse of the aforesaid period, the owner, administrator, occupant or other
responsible person failed to comply, the Chief, BFP or his/her authorized representative shall
put up a sign in front of the building or structure that it is fire hazard. Specifically, the notice shall
bear the words "WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTURE IS A FIRE HAZARD", which shall
remain posted until such time that the owner, administrator, occupant or other person
responsible for the condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities abate the
same, but such period shall not exceed fifteen (15) days from the lapse of the initial period given
in the notice/order to comply.

Finally, with the failure of the owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible
for the condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities to comply within the
period specified above, the Chief, BFP may issue order for such abatement. If the owner,
administrator or occupant of buildings, structure and their premises or facilities does not abate
the same within the period fixed in said order, the building, structure, premises or facilities shall
be ordered closed by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative notwithstanding
any permit clearance or certificate earlier issued by the local authorities.

Any building or structure assessed and declared by the chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative as a firetrap on account of the gravity or palpability of the violation or
is causing clear and present imminent fire danger to adjoining establishments and habitations
shall be declared a public nuisance, as defined in the Civil Code of the Philippines in a notice to
be issued to the owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition of
the building, structure and their premises or facilities. If the assessed value of the nuisance or
the amount to be spent in abating the same is not more than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00), the owner, administrator or occupant thereof shall abate the hazard within fifteen
(15) days, or if the assessed value is more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00),
within thirty (30) days from receipt of the order declaring said building or structure a public
nuisance; otherwise, the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative shall forthwith
cause its summary abatement. failure to comply within five (5) days from the receipt of the
notice shall cause the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative to put up a sign in
front of the building or structure, at or near the entrance of such premises, notifying the public
that such building or structure is a "FIRETRAP", which shall remain until the owner,
administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the building, structure
and their premises or facilities abate the same within the specified period.

Summary abatement as used herein shall mean all corrective measures undertaken to
abate hazards which shall include, but not limited to remodeling, repairing, strengthening,
reconstructing, removal and demolition, either partial or total, of the building or structure. The
expenses incurred by the government for such summary abatement shall be borne by the
owner, administrator or occupant. These expenses shall constitute a prior lien upon such
property.

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2008/ra_9514_2008.html

AUTHORITY/POWER OF BFP

is responsible for ensuring public safety through prevention and/or suppression of all
destructive fires on buildings, houses, and other similar structure, forests, and land transportation
vehicles and equipment, ships/vessels docked at piers, wharves or anchored at major seaports,
petroleum industry installations.

BFP FUNCTION

The Fire Bureau shall be responsible for the prevention and suppression of all
destructive fires on buildings, houses and other structures, forest,
land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or
wharves or anchored in major seaports, petroleum industry installations, plane
crashes etc.
 Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Twelfth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eighth day of July, two thousand three.

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9263]

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROFESSIONALIZATION OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE

PROTECTION (BFP) AND THE BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY (BJMP),
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in

Congress assembled:

SECTION. 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy and Principles. — It is the declared policy of the State to maintain
peace and order, protect life, liberty and property, and promote the general welfare essential for
the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy (Article II, Section 5 of the
Philippine Constitution). Moreover, it recognizes the responsibility of the State to strengthen
government capability aimed towards the strengthening of the delivery of basic services to the
citizenry through the institutionalization of highly efficient and competent fire and jail services.

It is provided for under Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the “Department of the
Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,” that the tasks of fire protection, and jail
management and penology shall be the responsibility of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), respectively.

Moreover, Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8551, otherwise known as the “Philippine National
Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998,” provides that in times of national emergency,
the BFP and the BJMP along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall, upon the direction
of the President, assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in meeting the national
emergency, in addition to the performance of their inherent functions as mandated by law.

It is therefore recognized that the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP, as members
of the uniformed service of the government under the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), are required the same amount of sacrifice, service and dedication like their
counterparts in the PNP and the AFP to carry out their respective duties to the extent of risking
their lives and limbs.

Towards this end, the State shall provide for the professionalization and restructuring of the BFP
and the BJMP by upgrading the level of qualifications of their uniformed personnel and
standardizing their base pay, retirement and other benefits, making it at par with those of the
PNP and the AFP.
SEC. 3. Organization and Key Positions of the BFP and the BJMP. — The BFP and the BJMP
shall be respectively headed by a Chief who shall be assisted by two (2) deputy chiefs, one (1)
for administration and one (1) for operations, all of whom shall be appointed by the President
upon recommendation of the Secretary of the DILG from among the qualified officers with at
least the rank of senior superintendent in the service: Provided, That 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, as the case may
be: Provided, further, That the Chief of the Fire Bureau and Chief of the Jail Bureau shall serve
a tour of duty not to exceed four (4) years: Provided, however, That in times of war or other
national emergency declared by Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.

The heads of the BFP and the BJMP with the rank of director shall have the position title of
Chief of Fire Bureau and Chief of the Jail Bureau, respectively. The second officers in command
of the BFP and the BJMP with the rank of chief superintendent shall have the position title of
Deputy Chief for Administration of the Fire Bureau and Deputy Chief for Administration of the
Jail Bureau, respectively. The third officers in command of the BFP and the BJMP with the rank
of chief superintendent shall have the position title of Deputy Chief for Operations of the Fire
Bureau and Deputy Chief for Operations of the Jail Bureau, respectively. The fourth officers in
command of the BFP and the BJMP with the rank of chief superintendent shall have the
respective position title of Chief of Directional Staff of the Fire Bureau and Chief of Directorial
Staff of the Jail Bureau, who shall be assisted by the directors of the directorates in the
respective national headquarters office with at least the rank of senior superintendent.

The BFP and the BJMP shall establish, operate and maintain their respective regional offices in
each of the administrative regions of the country which shall be respectively headed by a
Regional Director for Fire Protection and a Regional Director for Jail Management and Penology
with the rank of 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.

SEC. 4. Professionalization and Upgrading of Qualification Standards in the Appointment of

Uniformed Personnel to the BFP and the BJMP. — No person shall be appointed as uniformed
personnel of the BFP and BJMP unless he/she possesses the following minimum qualifications:

a) A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

b) A person of good moral character;

c) Must have passed the psychiatric/psychological, drug and physical tests for the purpose of
determining his/her physical and mental health;

d) Must possess a baccalaureate degree from a recognize institution of learning;

e) Must possess the appropriate civil service eligibility;

f) Must have not been dishonorably discharged or dismissed for cause from previous
employment;

g) Must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral
turpitude;
h) Must be at least one meter and sixty-two centimeters (1.62 m.) in height for male, and one
meter and fifty-seven centimeters (1.57 m.) for female: Provided, That a waiver for height and
age requirements shall be automatically granted to applicants belonging to the cultural
communities; and

i) Must weigh not more or less than five kilograms (5 kgs.) from the standard weight
corresponding to his/her height, age and sex;

Provided, That a new applicant must not be less than twenty-one (21) nor more than thirty (30)
years of age: except for this particular provision, the above-enumerated qualifications shall be
continuing in character and an absence of any one of them at any given time shall be a ground
for separation or retirement from the service: Provided, further, That the uniformed personnel
who are already in the service upon the effectivity of this Act shall be given five (5) years to
obtain the minimum educational qualification and one (1) year to satisfy the weight requirement.

After the lapse of the time period for the satisfaction of a specific requirement, current uniformed
personnel of the BFP and the BJMP who will fail to satisfy any of the requirements enumerated
under this Section shall be separated from the service if they are below fifty (50) years of age
and have served in the government for less than twenty (20) years, or retired if they are from
age fifty (50) and above and have served in the government for at least twenty (20) years
without prejudice in either case to the payment of benefits they may be entitled to under existing
laws.

SEC. 5. Appointment of Uniformed Personnel to the BFP and the BJMP. — The appointment of
uniformed personnel to the BFP and the BJMP shall be effected in the following manner:

a) Fire/Jail Officer I to Senior Fire/Jail Officer IV. — Appointed by the respective Regional
Director for Fire Protection and Regional Director for Jail Management and Penology for the
regional office uniformed personnel or by the respective Chief of the Fire Bureau and Chief of
the Jail Bureau for the national headquarters office uniformed personnel, and attested by the
Civil Service Commission (CSC);

b) Fire/Jail inspector to Fire/Jail Superintendent. — Appointed by the respective Chief of the Fire
Bureau and Chief of the Jail Bureau, as recommended by their immediate superiors, and
attested by the CSC;

c) Fire/Jail Senior Superintendent. — Appointed by the Secretary of the DILG upon

recommendation of the respective Chief of the Fire Bureau and Chief of the Jail Bureau, with
the proper attestation of the CSC; and

d) Fire/Jail Chief Superintendent to Fire/Jail Director. — Appointed by the President upon,

recommendation of the Secretary of the DILG, with the proper endorsement by the Chairman of
the CSC.

SEC. 6. Lateral Entry of Officers into the BFP and the BJMP. — In general, all original
appointments of officers in the Fire Bureau and the Jail Bureau shall commence with the rank of
fire/jail inspector wherein applicants for lateral entry into the BFP shall include all those with
highly specialized and technical qualifications such as, but not limited to, civil engineers,
mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, chemists, architects,
criminologists, certified public accounts, nurses, physical therapists, and dentists, while
applicant for lateral entry into the BJMP shall include all those with highly specialized and
technical qualifications such as, but not limited to, social workers, psychologists, criminologists,
teachers, nurses, dentist and engineers. Doctors of medicines, members of the Philippine Bar
and chaplains shall be appointed to the rank of fire/jail senior inspector in their particular
technical service. Graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) shall be
automatically appointed to the initial rank of fire/jail inspector.

SEC. 7. Professionalization and Upgrading of Qualification Standards in the Designation of

Uniformed Personnel of the BFP and the BJMP to Key Positions. —

a) No person shall be designated to the following key positions of the BFP unless he/she has
met the qualifications provided therein:

1) Municipal Fire Marshal. — Should have the rank of senior inspector, who must have finished
at least second year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least twelve (12) units in a master’s degree
program in public administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology or other
related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed
the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the Fire
Bureau;

2) City Fire Marshal. — Should have the rank of chief inspector, who must have finished at least
second year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least twenty-four (24) units in a master’s degree
program in public administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology or other
related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily 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 and Regional Chief of Directorial Staff. — Should
have the rank of superintendent, who must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a holder of a
master’s degree in public administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology
or other related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily
passed the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the
Fire Bureau;

4) District Fire Marshal for the National Capital Region, Regional Director for the Protection and
Director of the Directorate of the National Headquarters Office. — Should have at least the rank
of senior superintendent, who must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a holder of a master’s
degree in public administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology or other
related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed
the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the Fire
Bureau;

5) Deputy Chief for Administration of the Fire Bureau, Deputy Chief for Operations of the Fire
Bureau and Chief of Directorial Staff of the Fire Bureau. — Should have the rank of chief
superintendent, who must be a member of the Philippine Bar or a holder of a master’s degree in
public administration, management, engineering, public safety, criminology or other related
disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed the
necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the Fire
Bureau; and
6) Chief of the Fire Bureau. — Should have the rank of senior director, who must be a member
of the Philippine Bar or a holder of a master’s degree in public administration, management,
engineering, public safety, criminology or other related disciplines from a recognized institution
of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed the necessary training or career courses for
such position as may be established by the Fire Bureau;

b) No person shall be designated to the following key positions of the BJMP unless he/she has
met the qualifications provided therein:

1) Municipal Jail Warden. — Should have the rank of the senior inspector, who must have
finished at least second year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least twelve (12) units in a master’s
degree program in management; public administration, public safety, criminology, penology,
sociology, national security administration defense studies or other related disciplines from a
recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed the necessary training or
career courses for such position as may be established by the Jail bureau.

2) City Jail Warden. — Should have the rank of the chief inspector, who must have finished at
least second year Bachelor of Laws or earned at least twenty-four (24) units in a master’s
degree program in management, public administration, public safety; criminology, penology,
sociology, national security administration, defense studies or other related disciplines from a
recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed the necessary training or
career courses for such position as may be established by the Jail Bureau: Provided, That in
city jails with a population of one thousand (1,000) or more inmates, the city jail warden shall
have the rank and qualifications of a district jail warden;

3) District Jail Warden, Provincial Jail Administrator, Assistant Regional Director for
Administration, Assistant Regional Director for Operations and Regional Chief of Directorial
Staff. — Should have the rank of superintendent, who must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws
or a holder of a master’s degree in management, public administration, public safety,
criminology, penology, sociology, national security administration, defense studies or other
related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed
the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the Jail
Bureau;

4) Regional Director for Jail Management and Penology and Director of the Directorate of the
National Headquarters Office. — Should have at least the rank of senior superintendent, who
must be a graduate of Bachelor of Laws or a holder of a master’s degree in management, public
administration, public safety, criminology, penology, sociology, national security administration,
defense studies or other related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must
have satisfactorily passed the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be
established by the Jail Bureau.

5) Deputy Chief for Administration of the Jail Bureau, Deputy Chief for Operations of the Jail
Bureau and Chief of Directorial Staff of the Jail Bureau. — Should have the rank of chief
superintendent, who must be a member of the Philippine Bar or a holder of a master’s degree in
management, public administration, public safety, criminology, penology, sociology, national
security administration, defense studies or other related disciplines from a recognized institution
of learning, and must have satisfactorily passed the necessary training or career courses for
such position as may be established by the Jail Bureau; and
6) Chief of the Jail Bureau. — Should have the rank of director, who must be a member of the
Philippine Bar or a holder of a master’s degree in management, public administration, public
safety, criminology, penology, sociology, national security administration, defense studies or
other related disciplines from a recognized institution of learning, and must have satisfactorily
passed the necessary training or career courses for such position as may be established by the
Jail Bureau.

Any uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP who is currently occupying such position but
lacks of the qualifications mentioned therein shall be given three (3) years upon the effectivity of
this Act to comply with the requirements, otherwise he/she shall be relieved from the position.

SEC. 8. Professionalization and Qualifications Upgrading Program. — The DILG shall design
and establish a professionalization and qualifications upgrading program for the uniformed
personnel of the BFP and the BJMP in coordination with the CSC and the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) through an off-campus education program or other similar programs
within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Attrition System for the Uniformed Personnel of the BFP and the BJMP. — There shall
be established a system of attrition for the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP within
one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to be submitted by said bureaus to the DILG for
approval. Such attrition system shall include, but is not limited to, the provisions of the following
principles:

a) Attrition by Demotion in Position or Rank. — Any uniformed personnel of the BFP and the
BJMP who is relieved and assigned to a position lower than what is established for his/her
grade in the respective staffing pattern of the Fire Bureau and the Jail Bureau, and who shall not
be assigned to a position commensurate to his/her grade within two (2) years after such
demotion in position shall be separated or retired from the service;

b) Attrition by Non-Promotion. — Any uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP who has
not been promoted for a continuous period of ten (10) years shall be separated or retired from
the service, except for those who are occupying a third-level position;

c) Attrition by Other Means. — Any uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP with at least
five (5) years of accumulated active service shall be separated from the service based on any of
the following factors:

1) Inefficiency based on poor performance during the last two (2) successive semestral rating
periods;

2) Inefficiency based on poor performance for three (3) cumulative semestral rating periods;

3) Physical and/or moral incapacity to perform his/her duties and functions; or

4) Failure to complete the required career courses and/or appropriate civil service eligibility for
his/her position except for justifiable reasons; and

d) Separation or Retirement from the Bureau and the Jail Bureau under this Section. — Any
personnel who is dismissed from the BFP and the BJMP pursuant to the above-enumerated
principles in this Section shall be separated if he/she has rendered less than twenty (20) years
of service, and be retired if he/she has rendered at least twenty (20) years of service unless the
concerned personnel is disqualified by law to receive such benefits.

SEC. 10. Promotion System for the Uniformed Personnel of the BFP and the BJMP. — Within
six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act, the DILG shall establish a system of promotion for
the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP through the following principles:

a) Rationalized Promotion System. — The system of promotion shall be based on merits and on
the availability of vacant ranks in the BFP and the BJMP staffing pattern. Such system shall be
gender-fair so as to ensure that women personnel of the Fire Bureau and the Jail Bureau shall
enjoy equal opportunity for promotion as of men;

b) Requirements for Promotion. —

1) Any personnel of the BFP and the BJMP shall not be eligible for a promotion to a higher rank
unless he/she has met the minimum qualification standards or the appropriate civil service
eligibility set by the CSC, and has satisfactorily passed the required psychiatric/psychological,
drug and physical tests;

2) Any personnel of the BFP and the BJMP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and
gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty, or selected as such in a
nationwide search conducted by any accredited civic organization, shall be promoted to the next
higher rank: Provided, That these shall be validated by the DILG and the CSC based on
established criteria.

SEC. 11. Performance Evaluation System. — There shall be established a performance

evaluation system which shall be administered in accordance with the rules, regulations and
standards, and a code conduct for the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP to be
promulgated by the Fire Bureau and the Jail Bureau through the DILG. Such performance
evaluation system shall be administered in such a way as to foster the improvement of
individual efficiency and behavioral discipline as well as the promotion of organizational
effectiveness and commitment to service.

The rating system as contemplated herein shall be based on standards prescribed by the Fire
Bureau and the Jail Bureau through the DILG and shall consider the results of the annual
psychiatric/psychological and physical tests conducted on the uniformed personnel of the BFP
and the BJMP.

SEC. 12. Standardization of the Base Pay, Retirement and Other Benefits of the Uniformed
Personnel of the BFP and the BJMP. — In order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to
service and professionalism of the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP, they shall
receive the minimum starting salary equivalent to the salary grade level of the corresponding
rank classification of their counterparts in the PNP, as provided under Section 36 of the
Republic Act No. 8551, and in the AFP, as provided under Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9166.

The rate of base pay of the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP shall be adjusted in
accordance with the following salary grade schedule:
 RANK SALARY GRADE
Fire/Jail Director 28
Fire/Jail Chief Superintendent 27
Fire/Jail Senior Superintendent 26
Fire/Jail Superintendent 25
Fire/Jail Chief Inspector 24
Fire/Jail Senior Inspector 23
Fire/Jail Inspector 22
Senior Fire/Jail Officer IV 19
Senior Fire/Jail Officer III 18
Senior Fire/Jail Officer II 17
Senior Fire/Jail Officer I 16
Fire/Jail Officer III 14
Fire/Jail Officer II 12
Fire/Jail Officer I 10

Provided, That all benefits currently received by the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the
BJMP under other existing laws shall continue to be received by them: Provided, further, That
their retirement pay shall be subject to the adjustment/s based on the prevailing scale of base
pay of the uniformed personnel in the active service.

SEC. 13. Implementation. — The implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in staggered

phases, but not to exceed three (3) years, taking into consideration the financial position of the
national government: Provided, That any partial implementation shall be uniform and
proportionate for all ranks.

SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DILG, in coordination with the BFP, the
BJMP, the CSC, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of
Finance (DOF) shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules
and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 15. Annual Report. — The BFP and the BJMP through the DILG and the DBM shall jointly
submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives an
annual report on the implementation of this Act. This report shall include information on the
application of the budget for the salary and other benefits provided under this Act. The DBM, in
consultation with the BFP and the BJMP through the DILG, shall periodically review and adjust
every five (5) years the rates of base pay, taking into consideration labor productivity, consumer
price index, oil price and other similar economic indicators as may be determined by the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

SEC. 16. Separability Clause. — If any position or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions not
affected thereby.

SEC. 17. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, and other
issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby
deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 18. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes
earlier.

Approved,

(Sgd.) JOSE DE VENECIA (Sgd.) FRANKLIN M. DRILON

Speaker of the House President of the Senate
of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2373 and House Bill No. 6557 was
finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on January 29, 2004 And
February 2, 2004, respectively.

(Sgd.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO (Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES

Secretary General Secretary of the Senate
House of Representatives

Approved: MAR 10 2004

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/03/10/republic-act-no-9263/
 Mr. James R. Dela Cruz. Reg. CRIM.

Mr. James R. Dela Cruz is teaching as an Instructor at the

Criminology Department of Aklan State University New
Washington Campus.

He graduated his Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Aklan

State University College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences,
New Washington, Aklan in the year 2018.

MS. FRENSIE JIMENEZ- DE MATEO. MS-CRIM.

Ms. Frensie J. De Mateo is teaching as an Instructor 1 at

the Criminology Department of Aklan State University-New
Washington Campus.

She graduated her Bachelor of Science in Criminology at

Aklan State University-College of Fisheries and Marine
Sciences, New Washington, Aklan in the year 2013.

She finished her Master of Science in Criminology major

in Forensic Science at West Visayas State University-
Lambunao Campus, Lambunao, Iloilo on 2016.

She is currently taking up her Doctor of Philosophy in

Criminology at Philippine College of Criminology, Sta.Cruz,
Manila.