Incipient Fires—Definition, Detection and Extinguishment by Laypersons

ABSTRACT The earlier a fire is noticed, the less developed it is and the easier it can be prevented respectively stopped, even by laypersons. Within the research project ‘TEBRAS’ the incipient phase of fires was investigated in detail. In the course of the project, it became apparent that the definition of what exactly the incipient phase of a fire encompasses is not definite and depends on the disciplines dealing with the subject ‘fire’. Based on the results of a literature review, an inquiry under experts and laypersons as well as practical fire tests a definition for the phenomenon of the incipient fire was developed which divides it into four phases. Driving key factors for each phase are identified considering the main parameters to detect and extinguish the fire.