For a fire to begin, oxygen, a fuel source and heat must all be present at once. The heat source must reach a high enough temperature to ignite, and with plenty of fuel and oxygen to feed the blaze in the surrounding area, a fire can develop with alarming speed.

Once the fire begins, there are three ways in which it can spread:

• Convection
• Conduction
• Radiation

Convection is the most dangerous way that a fire can spread through a building. The heat generated by a fire naturally rises, but in an enclosed space, this heat is entrapped by the ceiling. The heat will then travel horizontally, fanning the fire across the entire room, engulfing it in flames within moments. Convection is the most common cause of fire in domestic and commercial properties.

Conduction refers to the dispersal of heat through interaction between materials. Some materials, such as metal, for example, are excellent conductors of heat. So a fire in a kitchen, for instance, may transfer conduction heat through items such as metal appliances and cooking equipment, thereby creating the vehicle for the flames to travel. Conduction can be responsible for spreading a fire from room to room in larger properties, particularly if the heat causes the failure of load-bearing structures.

Radiation transfers heat via airborne electromagnetic waves. Heat radiates in every available direction until it reaches an object that absorbs it. Radiation is capable of spreading fire from building to building, igniting combustible materials, and even smashing windows, thereby gaining access to the interior of neighbouring properties.

Limiting the spread of fire

From a fire management point of view, particularly in a
commercial setting, it’s crucial to consider what does and doesn’t facilitate the spread of a fire. This will mean investigating everything from the materials used within the construction of the property itself, to the items stored or used onsite.

Being aware of how a blaze can start is the single most crucial factor in preventing the spread, and therefore, the damage caused and the threat to life. For example, an industrial premise that stores and uses
hazardous chemicals should ensure that these chemicals are isolated from potential ignition sources.

This is why it’s so important to focus on fire safety and training in any commercial setting. As we’ve discussed already, fire moves with such a destructive force, which means it has the potential to destroy a business and worse still, cause fatalities.

If you have any questions about anything we’ve covered in
this blog, or you’re interested in our industry-leading fire prevention software, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.