Final answer:
Fires in penal institutions often begin with the careless handling of smoking products, and can also be attributed to electrical appliances, cooking equipment, and arson. These elements, combined with a prison's confined space and potential safety hazards, increase the risk of fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many fires in penal institutions start with the careless handling of smoking products as well as fire intentionally set in bedding. This is because, just like outside of penal facilities, smoking products can easily ignite materials such as paper, fabric, and other combustibles found in a prison setting. Additionally, other sources of fires in these facilities may include electrical appliances, cooking equipment, and arson. The mixture of these elements in an environment with potentially poor drainage, crowded housing, and inadequate ventilation can significantly increase the risk of fire. Key components for combustion include heat, fuel, and oxygen, which are present in these situations. Smokeybear.com reminds us that to support the chemical processes during a fire, fuel reacts with oxygen from the surrounding air, releasing heat and generating combustion products.