Unit 6: Information, Advice or Guidance Work with Groups

Fire Model of Conflict

The fire model is a way of looking at & understanding conflict as if it were a fire. In order for there to be a fire, three things need to be present – fuel, a spark (ignition) & oxygen. If any one of these is not present or is removed there can be no fire.

Examples of fuel might be:

• IAG advisor / client having bad day
• Very busy
• Client doesn’t know what is unacceptable in building i.e.: rules
• Misinterpretation of comments made by client or IAG advisor

Examples of spark might be:

• Client uses abusive language
• Client mis-uses equipment
• Another client makes complaint
• Tone of voice when challenging behaviour

Examples of oxygen might be:

• Unable to walk leave situation
• Obligated to enforce rule
• Presence of an ‘audience’

Think about a conflict you have been involved in. What was the fuel, spark & oxygen? What would have happened if any of those factors had not been present?

We can perhaps stretch this analogy further. There are certain things that might be considered accelerants and things that could be considered extinguishers. The use of certain of certain language, or raised voices, or comments from those not involved may cause minor conflicts to ‘flare’ up. An apology, a compromise, a helpful calming word from third party, or a humorous comment can all, in certain circumstances act as a ‘fire blanket’.

But as with real fires we need to fight them with the right extinguisher. Water thrown on burning paper will extinguish the flame. Water on burning fat will cause an explosion.