Fire Behavior - Introduction to Fire Suppression

This self-paced online course covers basic concepts about fire, with a focus on fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems. Fire is a very complex physical phenomenon. The effect that is called "burning" is the result of many physical and chemical interactions.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain why fire is a process and define ignition
• Explain the relationship between lean and rich flammable vapors
• List the people who should be present at a fire pump acceptance test
• Explain the "fire triangle"
• Discuss the relationship between fire plumes and ceiling jets, and explain the importance of understanding each
• Define and explain key concepts, including British thermal unit (BTU), latent heat of vaporization, specific heat, exothermic reaction, endothermic reaction, physical fire separation, smothering, chemical modification, and dilution
• List and explain the three methods of heat transfer
• Explain how various substances function as fire suppression agents
• Explain the difference in high expansion and blanketing foams

Click on the images below to view a brief video about fire science basics.

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  Fire Tests

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  Fire Plume

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  Heat Transfer

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  Sprinkler System Basics