How Does a Fire Spread & How to Prevent It

It takes very little for a fire to start, and it can grow to a massive scale in a very short time. If you are in charge of the safety of a commercial space, of the people and the assets, then start with knowing how does a fire spread and how you can prevent it from happening. Be aware of the right fire detection systems for your property and what training everyone needs.

In this guide, we will go over the specifics of fire spreading and taking measures to prevent and limit it.

A Definitive Breakdown of How Does a Fire Spread

Part of effective fire safety is understanding the different ‘types’ of fire. Experts from London fire security company inform about the essentials of a fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel. The source of heat should be hot enough to ignite something flammable.

To spread, the ignited fire should be surrounded by ample fuel and oxygen. The higher the presence of these elements, the more dangerous the fire.

Then, there is the matter of spreading. What are the ways which fire can spread?

1. Convection

One of the worst ways fire can spread throughout a place is convection. To explain it simply:

• When the fire occurs due to the source (heat), it rises up.
• However, in a confined space like a storage room, the ceiling traps it.
• The fire takes a sideways route for spreading out.
• It burns everything in its way, becoming stronger with any flammable stuff (fuel)

Rooms after rooms can be enveloped in flames in minutes, with possibly the entire floor on fire under half an hour. Convention is the most common ways fire spread in commercial sites like offices, shops, and storage facilities.

2. Conduction

Direct contact between conducting materials is also an answer when you assess how does a fire spread. For instance, the constant friction between two metals that have conductive properties generates heat. If there is a flammable material in close vicinity, the heat from the friction can ignite it. That is what starts the fire.

Conduction fires are more common in commercial properties where heat moves conductive components, like machinery in a warehouse. Any flammable materials around fuel this fire, and the flames spread on. Convection can also lead to fire spreading between rooms in larger spaces, potentially compromising the robustness of supporting building features.

3. Radiation

Ever wonder how can fire spread from one property to another, even if there’s a gap? Heat moves through electromagnetic waves, which is the basis of a fire spreading via radiation. The heat (that ignites the fire) travels in various directions till it comes across something that takes it. It is often the reason why fires are able to spread from building to building to building, pass through windows and wreak havoc inside.

All the ways a fire can spread out are very much possible in any property, but even more in commercial or industrial sites. The abundance of flammable materials, over-storage, and other reasons make the spread of fire easier.

Naturally, the next step after learning how fire tends to start and make its way about is to inspect your property and take action to improve fire safety.

How To Prevent and Limit Fire Incidents

Knowing what are the ways which fire can spread is not where your fire safety journey ends. From building-wide training to investing to investing in high-quality, reliable fire alarms and extinguishers, there are ways you can both prevent fire and limit its damage in case it does start.

For offices, warehouses, factories, and other such sites, the key to preventing fires is in the details. Take a look at what you can do to make sure that the people inside your commercial site and all the things stay safe from fire hazards.

1. Conduct Timely Fire Training, With Everyone

Each person who works in the building has to have at least the basic knowledge of fire safety. From the janitorial staff to the higher management, fire safety training is essential. In fact, being responsible for fire safety in place of business you are required by law in many places to have fire safety training and protocols.

Schedule detailed fire safety training for all your staff—with practical demonstrations. Every person not only needs to have training for how to respond well in the event of a fire but also avoid the ways fire can spread.

2. Go for Fire Risk Assessment on The Building

It’s important to remember that training is one piece (though one important piece) of the puzzle that is securing your property against fire accidents. You need to hire specialists to conduct fire risk assessments. They will inspect the site from top to bottom, and identify the parts of the building itself and whatever is inside that can lead to the start and spread of fire.

For older buildings, this assessment is as crucial as it is challenging. The age of these sites makes them more susceptible to fires. However, with a meticulous inspection, you can also take improve your fire safety training efforts, and take steps to make the building as secure as possible.

3. Remove or Secure Combustible Materials

When you receive the results of a fire risk inspection, you may also get clear instructions on any unsafe storage practices. For example:

• Never keep large quantities of flammable materials in a building where high traffic and various other operations are common.
• If there are any necessary combustible materials, make sure that anyone working with these is aware of the proper handling procedures.
• Offices should minimize paper waste, one of the most common materials that cause quick spread of fire. They should also check up on proper electronic connections.
• Shops and dining services be careful about storing stock, ensuring regular electrical maintenance among other fire safety precautions.
• Industrial sites that store or use hazardous chemicals need to see to it that there is safe and isolated storage for these chemicals, away from potential heat sources.

Attention to fire safety training, risk assessment, and measures to minimize those risks. All of these combined can fortify fire safety. With the addition of high-quality smoke alarms and up-to-code fire extinguishers that can help keep everyone safe and minimize the potential damage to your company, it’s wise to consult with professional fire safety experts. Always stay on top of the ways to prevent and lessen the spread of fires, no matter how they start.

Staying Alert About Fire Safety with Certified Experts

At KForce London Fire and Security Company, we specialize in fire protection. We offer extensive training for offices, industrial operations, and other commercial sites on how does a fire spread and the ways to prevent it. Our team of experts is licensed to conduct fire risk inspections.

We also provide supplemental fire safety support such as fire alarms and extinguishers (plus installation). If you need help with installing or maintaining fire protection at your site, contact us today to get started.