INTRODUCTION:

Fire incidents remain a significant public safety concern in urban environments, causing injury, loss of life, and property damage worldwide. Effective fire prevention begins with understanding the basic scientific principles underlying fire ignition, particularly the fire triangle, which explains that fire occurs when heat, fuel, and oxygen interact. Public awareness and education about fire safety are therefore essential to reduce risk and improve emergency preparedness. Previous studies have shown that inadequate fire safety awareness persists among various populations. For instance, research among residential occupants in Oman revealed that only a small proportion possessed adequate knowledge of fire hazards, indicating a need for targeted awareness programs to minimize incidents¹. Educational interventions have also been demonstrated to improve knowledge and preparedness; community education initiatives in Indonesia successfully increased household awareness regarding fire mitigation and prevention practices². Similarly, quasi-experimental training among students significantly improved fire safety knowledge scores after structured instruction, highlighting the effectiveness of educational programs³. Systematic reviews further indicate that prevention and intervention programs play an important role in enhancing awareness and reducing unsafe fire-related behaviours among youth populations⁴.

Urban studies also reveal gaps in public knowledge and attitudes related to fire-related risk management; for example, a survey of residents in Dhaka identified limited awareness of protective measures and emphasized the need for community education initiatives⁵. Furthermore, research assessing knowledge and attitudes among healthcare workers in India highlights the importance of evaluating fire-safety awareness in diverse populations to inform training and policy development⁶.

In this context, the present study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data will be collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze awareness levels and their association with demographic variables. The findings are expected to identify knowledge gaps and support the development of community-based educational strategies, including awareness videos and public outreach programs, to enhance fire safety literacy and reduce preventable fire incidents.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Katramee and Thanjangreed (2024) conducted a school-based fire preparedness educational program among primary school students in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Using a pre- and post-training assessment, the study evaluated students’ fire knowledge and response skills. The findings showed significant improvement after the intervention, highlighting the effectiveness of structured fire-safety education. The authors recommended implementing standardized preparedness programs in schools to reduce fire risks.⁷

An empirical survey study conducted in 2024 among residents of high-rise residential buildings in China assessed fire-safety awareness using questionnaires completed by 606 participants and analyzed through regression and descriptive statistics. The findings showed that while residents possessed basic fire-safety knowledge, their preparedness and practical readiness were insufficient. The study recommended strengthening safety regulations and implementing improved risk-mitigation measures to enhance fire safety in residential buildings.⁸

A survey conducted in 2024 among healthcare workers assessed fire-safety knowledge and training exposure in a hospital setting. The findings revealed that 80.9% of participants correctly identified the elements of the fire triangle and most demonstrated average to good knowledge following training. The study emphasized the importance of continued education and recommended regular fire-safety training along with improved awareness of emergency procedures to enhance preparedness.⁹

Odabaş, Aksoy, and Yalin (2025) carried out a quantitative survey among 218 school staff in the Trabzon districts of Türkiye using the Fire Awareness Scale. Statistical analysis showed high levels of theoretical awareness but limited confidence in practical fire-response abilities. The authors recommended strengthening hands-on training, drills, and skill-based learning to improve applied preparedness.¹⁰

Yusuf and Mohammad Ali (2023) conducted a mixed-methods study in a residential village housing community to evaluate fire-safety awareness and practices through surveys and interviews. The study identified both strengths and gaps in residents’ knowledge and highlighted the positive impact of community education on preparedness. It recommended expanding community-based fire-education initiatives and addressing knowledge deficiencies.¹¹

İşgören and Altundağ (2025) assessed fire-safety awareness among 594 university students in Türkiye through a questionnaire survey analyzed using statistical software. Results indicated moderate levels of fire-related knowledge but low engagement in practical training activities. The study recommended encouraging hands-on fire-extinguishing training and strengthening awareness programs.¹²

HYPOTHESES:

H1: There will be a significant correlation between awareness and perception regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore.

H2: There will be a significant association between awareness and perception regarding the fire triangle with selected demographic variables among urban residents of Mysore.

ASSUMPTIONS:

· Urban residents may possess varying levels of awareness regarding the fire triangle.

· Awareness and perception regarding fire safety may be associated with demographic variables such as age, education, and occupation.

· Improved awareness can contribute to better fire prevention practices.

DELIMITATIONS:

· The study is limited to urban residents residing in selected areas of Mysore.

· The study includes only participants available during the data collection period.

· The study focuses only on awareness regarding the fire triangle.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

A quantitative approach was adopted for the present study, and a descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to assess the level of awareness and perception regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore. The research variables included awareness and perception regarding the fire triangle, while other variables consisted of selected demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, occupation, and income. The sources of data were urban residents living in selected urban areas of Mysore. The study population comprised adults aged 18 years and above who met the inclusion criteria. A convenience sampling technique was used to select a total sample of 60 participants for the study.

Under the sampling criteria, inclusion criteria included urban residents aged 18 years and above, those willing to participate, available during the period of data collection, and able to understand the questionnaire language. Exclusion criteria included individuals unwilling to participate, fire and safety professionals, and individuals unable to comprehend the questionnaire. Data collection techniques and instruments were developed through review of research and non-research literature related to fire safety and the fire triangle, along with consultation and opinion from experts in community health nursing and fire safety education.

The tool consisted of multiple sections. Section A included a proforma for selected demographic variables seeking information such as age, gender, education, occupation, and income. Section B included a structured questionnaire used to assess awareness regarding the fire triangle and fire prevention practices. Section C included a Likert scale to assess perception regarding fire safety. Section D assessed correlation between awareness and perception, and Section E assessed association between awareness and selected demographic variables. Reliability of the tool was tested using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and validity was established through expert validation.

Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the concerned authorities before data collection. Informed consent was obtained from each participant to indicate willingness to participate in the study, and confidentiality was assured. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire, and upon completion, each participant was thanked for their cooperation and participation.

RESULTS: Section–A:

Description of Selected Demographic Variables of Study Subject

Table–1: Frequency and Percentage Distribution According to Selected Personal Variables n = 60

S. No	Demography	Category	Respondents (Frequency)	Percent (%)
01	Age (years)	<35	8	13.33%
		35–45	17	28.33%
		45–55	28	46.66%
		55 and above	7	11.66%
02	Gender	Male	41	68.33%
02	Gender	Female	19	31.66%
03	Religion	Hindu	60	100%
		Muslim	0	0%
		Christian	0	0%
04	Type of Family	Nuclear	39	65%
04	Type of Family	Joint	21	35%
05	Education	Illiterate	19	31.66%
		Primary	11	18.33%
		Higher Secondary	3	5.00%
		PUC & Above	27	45.00%
06	Income	< ₹10,000	1	2.00%
		₹10,000–20,000	13	21.66%
		> ₹20,000	46	76.66%
07	Awareness of Fire Triangle	Yes	60	100%
07	Awareness of Fire Triangle	No	0	0%

Section – B

Table 2: Assess the Frequency and Level of Awareness of Urban Residents Regarding the Fire Triangle N = 60

S. No	Awareness Level	Frequency	Percentage
01	Poor awareness	08	13.3%
02	Moderate awareness	16	26.7%
03	Adequate awareness	36	60%

Table 3: Awareness Score Of Urban Residents Regarding The Fire Triangle N = 60

S. No	Aspect	Mean	Median	Range	SD	Mean %
01	Awareness score	17.22	17.1	8–24	± 4.21	57.40

Section–C:

Assessment of Perception Regarding Fire Safety:

Assess the Perception of Urban Residents Regarding the Fire Triangle:

Table 04 revealed that 55.4% (SD±7.51) of urban residents had a positive perception regarding the importance and application of the fire triangle in fire prevention and safety practices.

Table 4: Perception of Urban Residents Regarding the Fire Triangle

Sl. No	Domains	Max. Score	Range	Mean	SD	Mean %
1	Perception	100	44–69	55.4	7.51	55.4

The findings showed that a considerable proportion of respondents had a positive perception toward fire prevention practices and safety measures. The mean perception score reflected an overall favourable attitude toward the importance of fire-safety awareness.

Section–D:

Correlation Between Awareness and Perception:

Assess the Correlation of Urban Residents on Awareness Regarding the Fire Triangle:

Table 5: Correlation between Awareness and Perception

S. No	Correlation	R	p-value
1	Correlation between awareness and perception	0.80*	p > 0.05

Section – E:

Assess Association Between Awareness and Perception with Selected Demographic Variables:

To find out the association between the awareness regarding the fire triangle with personal variables such as age, gender, education and income, chi-square was computed and the following hypothesis is stated.

Interpretation of Table:

The analysis of demographic variables showed that most respondents were aged 45–55 years and predominantly male. All participants belonged to the Hindu religion, and the majority lived in nuclear families. Educational levels varied, with nearly half having PUC and above qualification, while a notable proportion were illiterate. Most respondents reported an income above ₹20,000, and all participants indicated awareness of the fire triangle concept.

Assessment of awareness levels revealed that the majority of urban residents had adequate awareness, while a smaller proportion demonstrated moderate or poor awareness. The mean awareness score indicated an overall moderate level of knowledge regarding the fire triangle among participants.

Perception assessment showed that respondents generally held a positive attitude toward fire safety and prevention practices, reflected in a favourable mean perception score. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between awareness and perception, suggesting that higher awareness contributes to more positive safety perceptions.

Further analysis showed a significant association between awareness levels and selected demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income. These findings indicate that demographic characteristics influence awareness regarding fire safety concepts among urban residents.

The study findings revealed a significant positive correlation between awareness and perception regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore, as confirmed by Karl Pearson’s correlation analysis. Additionally, chi-square analysis showed a significant association between awareness levels and selected demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income. Therefore, both hypotheses were accepted, indicating that awareness is related to perception and is influenced by demographic characteristics.

DISCUSSION:

In the present study, the majority of participants were aged between 45–55 years and were predominantly male, indicating active urban residents who are likely to be exposed to household and occupational fire risks. All participants belonged to the Hindu religion and most lived in nuclear families, which may influence individual responsibility toward safety practices and emergency preparedness. Educational status varied, with nearly half of the respondents having PUC and above qualification, while a notable proportion were illiterate, suggesting differences in understanding and accessing fire-safety information. Most respondents reported higher income levels, which may facilitate access to safety resources and awareness programs.

Although all participants reported awareness of the fire triangle concept, the level of awareness varied, with the majority demonstrating adequate awareness and a smaller proportion showing moderate or poor knowledge. The overall mean awareness score reflected a moderate level of understanding, indicating that awareness exists but may not be comprehensive. Perception assessment revealed generally positive attitudes toward fire prevention and safety practices, highlighting recognition of the importance of fire safety measures among urban residents.

A strong positive correlation (r = 0.80) was found between awareness and perception, suggesting that increased knowledge regarding the fire triangle contributes to more favourable safety attitudes and practices. Furthermore, significant associations were observed between awareness levels and demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income, indicating that these factors influence knowledge and understanding of fire safety concepts. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted educational interventions, community awareness programs, and safety campaigns to enhance fire safety knowledge and perception among diverse urban populations.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

· Similar studies can be carried out on a larger sample to generalize the findings.

· A similar study can be conducted among different population groups.

· A comparative study can be conducted between rural and urban residents regarding fire-safety awareness

CONCLUSION:

It was concluded that the majority of the urban residents had an average to adequate level of awareness regarding the fire triangle. The study findings indicated a positive correlation between knowledge and perception, showing that improved awareness was associated with a more favourable attitude toward fire safety practices. The results also emphasized that there was a significant association between the level of awareness regarding the fire triangle and selected demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of strengthening community-based fire safety education programs to enhance awareness and promote preventive behaviour among urban residents of Mysore.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The researcher hereby declares that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this study. The present research was conducted independently for academic and scientific purposes only. There were no financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could have influenced the research process, data collection, analysis, or interpretation of the results.

The study was conducted with due permission from the concerned authorities, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. The research was carried out solely to assess the level of awareness regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore.

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Received on 14.03.2026 Revised on 02.04.2026

Accepted on 18.04.2026 Published on 27.07.2026

Available online from August 01, 2026

Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):198-202.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00040

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

Ashwini C.