NFIRS 5.0 Element: ‘Heat Source’
Définition : The heat source that ignited the Item First Ignited (Block D3) to cause the fire.
Purpose : This information, combined with other factors in the ignition sequence, permits analysis of how fires start. Also, some heat sources (e.g., cigarettes, lighters) are objects whose frequency of involvement in fires is of direct interest for fire prevention efforts.

Entry : Enter the two-digit code and description that best describes the heat source that ignited the fire.
Element Specification
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Requirement | Mandatory |
Expected Length | 2 |
Element Type | Coded Field – The coded field relating to an entry in the code table. Most coded fields allow for Plus+ One codes. For these fields the expected length of the coded entry is depicted as (National length OR Plus+ One length). Only fields with this notation in the expected length column allow for Plus+ One definitions. If the user has not provided information, an empty field should be transmitted. |
HEAT SOURCE CODES
Here are the NFIRS codes for the ‘Heat Source’ element
Operating Equipment:
- 11 – Spark, Ember or Flame From Operating Equipment.
- 12 – Radiated, Conducted Heat From Operating Equipment.
- 13 – Electrical Arcing.
- 10 – Heat From Powered Equipment- Other.
Hot or Smoldering Object:
- 41 – Heat, Spark From Friction.
- 42 – Molten, Hot Material.
- 43 – Hot Ember or Ash.
- 40 – Hot or Smoldering Object- Other.
Explosives, Fireworks:
- 51 – Munitions.
- 53 – Blasting Agent, Primer Cord, Black Powder Fuse.
- 54 – Fireworks.
- 55 – Model And Amateur Rockets.
- 56 – Incendiary Device.
- 50 – Explosive, Fireworks- Other.
Other Open Flame or Smoking Materials:
- 61 – Cigarette.
- 62 – Pipe or Cigar.
- 63 – Heat From Undetermined Smoking Material.
- 64 – Match.
- 65 – Lighter: Cigarette, Cigar.
- 66 – Candle.
- 67 – Warning or Road Flare; Fusee.
- 68 – Backfire From Internal Combustion Engine.
- 69 – Flame/torch Used For Lighting.
- 60 – Heat From Other Open Flame or Smoking Materials.
Chemical, Natural Heat Sources:
- 71 – Sunlight.
- 72 – Spontaneous Combustion, Chemical Reaction.
- 73 – Lightning Discharge.
- 74 – Other Static Discharge.
- 70 – Chemical, Natural Heat Source- Other.
Heat Spread From Another Fire:
- 81 – Heat From Direct Flame, Convection Currents.
- 82 – Radiated Heat From Another Fire.
- 83 – Flying Brand, Ember, Spark.
- 84 – Conducted Heat From Another Fire.
- 80 – Heat Spread From Another Fire- Other.
Other Heat Sources:
- 97 – Multiple Heat Sources Including Multiple Ignitions.
- 00 – Heat Source: Other.
- UU – Heat Source: Undetermined.
Relational Edit Rules for ‘Heat Source’
NFIRS defines relational edit rules to ensure data consistency and accuracy in its database. These are the rules for ‘Heat Source’.
Rule | Group | Overview |
---|---|---|
Relational Edit Rule 47 | Documentation | relational edit rule 47. |
Topic: NFIRS