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 heating. At this point, it becomes 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 oxidation, but not enough air to carry the heat
from the area. Some of the common materials that may spontaneously heated and
ignited are animal oils, mixed fish oils, linseed oil, coal, coke, charcoal, sawdust, hay,
grain and cotton.

Propagation of Fire

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 fire.

Types of Heat Transmission:

1. Conduction

It is the transmission of 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 vapors are released, the vapors may be ignited. Any other
flammable material may be heated to its ignition temperature by direct contact with the
flame or burning vapors.

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.

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
vapor that can be mixed with air to form and 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.

There is a minimum proportion of vapor-to-air below which the vapor will not
burn and there is also a maximum proportion of vapor-to-air above which the vapor will
not burn. The minimum (lower) and maximum (upper) limits of the carton of vapor-to-
air in which the mixture will ignite or explode are known as the lower and upper
explosive limits.

Magnitude of Fire

The Magnitude of fire means the size of a fire, and it is governed by the surface
area of fuel exposed to the air. The magnitude of fire is not always determined by the
amount of fuel involved but more often by the amount of fuel exposed to the air.

Flashpoint
 The temperature at which the material is not hot enough to keep burning, but
still gives off enough vapors to cause a flame to “flash” across the surface.

Firepoint

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
firepoint of most materials. Since the two are just a few degrees apart, the term
“flashpoint” is express the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it is vaporizing
fast enough to keep burning.

Oxidation

In nearly all fires, oxidation takes place by using the oxygen that is present in
the atmosphere. However, in some cases, certain chemical compounds known as
oxidizing agents are involved. Though not flammable themselves, when they are
heated or when they come in contact with water, they give off which in turn, supports
the burning of flammable materials.

The more common Oxidizing Agents:

1. Nitrates
2. Chlorates
3. Peroxide

If a small quantity of potassium chlorate is added to a pile of sugar, flour, or

starch, and heat is applied, the mixture will burst into flame and burn violently. Without
the addition of the oxidizing agent, these same fuels would be extremely slow in
igniting.