Combustion Fire Theory

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Tigard/Tualatin/Lake Oswego/West Linn and Beaverton we are experts at Fire Restoration. We work closely with local fire agencies and independent fire investigators when we are the restoration contractor after a fire event. Each fire event is different but they all have one thing in common - fire theory.

Understanding fire theory can be a valuable addition to operating knowledge of any property owner. Understanding fire can help you understand how you can prepare and what to expect. Let’s review some basics of fire theory:

Combustion is burning. Combustion takes place when a material is burning - if we can see a material is burning then we can also say it is combusting. Combustion occurs when a solid turns into a gas by means of heat and is a more technical term. As combustion takes place, the burning material is actually breaking down and combining with oxygen while heat is given off. 

This you may be familiar with - we’ve discussed it before in our blogs: for fire combustion to occur three conditions must be present, fuel (the material that is able to burn), oxygen, and heat. If all three of those conditions are in perfect balance, in theory there should be no residue after combustion.

However, have any of us witnessed a fire without residue left behind? Most would answer no. Incomplete combustion produces smoke and soot residues, and most, if not all, fires produce smoke and soot.

If you experience fire, smoke, or soot damage in your property, you can trust the restoration professionals who handle fire damage every day. SERVPRO of Tigard/Tualatin/Lake Oswego/West Linn and Beaverton is here to guide you through the recovery process.