Fox Valley Science Society: The Science of Fire

Fire may be familiar, but what is actually happening when something burns?

In this introduction to fire science, Alex Quintana of the Appleton Fire Department will explore what fire needs, how heat travels, why smoke behaves the way it does, and how a small flame can become a rapidly developing room fire. Along the way, we will examine ventilation, modern furnishings, and how firefighters use science to influence fire behavior.

Then we will turn up the heat with lithium-ion batteries. These compact power sources are found in phones, laptops, tools, e-bikes, and countless other devices, but damage, improper charging, or manufacturing defects can lead to thermal runaway and rapidly escalating fires.

Presented during Fire Prevention Week, this talk combines practical safety information with the science behind combustion and battery failure. Expect videos of varying production quality, outdated pop culture references, audience participation, and enough dark humor to make everyone slightly concerned about giving Alex a microphone.

About the speaker:

Alex Quintana (she/her) is the Public Education Specialist, Fire Inspector, and Public Information Officer for the Appleton Fire Department. She has worked in the fire service since 2019 and previously served as a firefighter. Her work focuses on fire and life safety education, community risk reduction, fire prevention, inspections, and public communication. Alex also serves as an adjunct fire service instructor and enjoys making fire science understandable, practical, and a little more entertaining than most people expect. She is a U.S. Navy veteran and holds degrees in Fire Protection and Accounting.