FIRE 102 - Introduction to Fire Suppression

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
The course is an introduction to the physical nature of fire behavior. The course will examine the basic reactions that occur to cause ignition of substances. In addition to learning about the nature of burning materials, the student will learn to identify fire hazards. An introduction to fire suppression methods will be included. Fire prevention is also reinforced to the participant.

Note Spring semester only.

Prerequisite Introduction to Fire Science or permission of instructor or dean.

Text
National Fire Protection Association, Fire Protection Handbook (2 Vol. Set). 20th ed. Quincy: NFPA, 2008.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Describe the fire tetrahedron and stages of fire growth.

B. Identify different types of extinguishment methods.

C. Identify the types of heat transfer and sources of ignition to materials.

D. Describe the physical properties of materials, products, and environments in relation to fire prevention, ignition, and growth.

E. Identify fire hazards based on knowledge of fire dynamics.

F. Identify fire suppression methods for materials.

Content
A. Physical Nature of Fire

B. Dynamics of Compartment Fire Growth

C. Theory of Fire Extinguishment

D. Overview of Material Fire Hazards

E. Fire Characteristics of Materials, Products, and Environment

F. Effects of Energy Conservation in Buildings

G. Air Moving Equipment

H. Fire Suppression Methods

Student Evaluation
Grades will be based on written assignments, examination and quizzes. Group work and oral presentations are as required by the individual instructor.Bibliography
DeHaan, John D. Kirk’s Fire Investigation. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002.

Drysdale, Dougal. An Introduction to Fire Dynamics. 2nd ed. West Sussex, England: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 1998.

Lesak, David M. Hazardous Materials Strategies and Tactics. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1999.

Meyer, Eugene. Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.

Quintiere, James G. Principles of Fire Behavior. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers, 1998.

Other References

National Fire Academy, http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/fire-service/nfa.cfm.

Office of the PA State Fire Commissioner, http://www.osfc.state.pa.us/osfc/site/default.asp National Fire Protection Association, http://www.nfpa.org/Home/index.asp