Fire is such a one big threatening force, it’s therefore important to know the different classes of fires. A fire class can determine how quickly it burns, spreads, and how dangerous it is, and the best way to suppress or put it out.
Each of the 5 different classes of fire has the best approach on how safely and effectively can be put out.
THE 5 DIFFERENT CLASSE OF FIRES
The 5 main classes of fire are;
#1.Class A: Solid materials such as wood or paper, fabric and some plastics.
#2.Class B: Liquids or gas such as alcohol either gasoline or grease.
#3.Class C: Electrical failure form appliance, electronic equipment, and wiring.
#4.Class D: Metallic substances such as sodium, titanium, zirconium or magnesium.
#5.Class K: Grease or oil fires specifically from cooking.
Understanding the 5 different classes of fires can help you determine the biggest fire risks at your premise/facility, depending on the fuels and fire hazards present as well as how best to prepare in case of a fire emergency.
Let’s dive in each of the 5 different classes of fire
CLASS A FIRES: ORDINARY FIRE
This is the most common of the 5 different classes of fire. They occur when common combustible materials like wood, paper, fabric trash and light plastic catch fire.
These accidental fires are common across a variety of industries, offices, so its prudent to equip yourself with adequate protection against such fires.
This class of fire should be regarded as low risk. If there’s an abundance of fire present, these fires can intensity quickly. Its best to put out a class A fire quickly before it spreads using water.
CLASS B FIRE: LIQUIDS & GASES
Class B fires involves flammable and gases, especially fuels like petroleum or petroleum-based products such as gasoline, paint, and kerosene. Other gases that are highly flammable are propane and butane, which are common causes of class B fires. The best way to deal with these types of fires is by smothering them or removing oxygen using foam or Co2 fire suppression equipment.
Note: that class B fires do not include grease fires or cooking fires, which belongs to their own class, class K.
CLASS C FIRES: ELECTRICAL FIRES
Electrical fires are common in facilities that make heavy use of electrical equipment, but they can occurs in a wide range of industries, government and commercial buildings. For example, data centers might be an obvious risk area for class C fires. They must have safe guards in place to deal with electrical fires.
Construction sites are another common Class C fire risk: electrical power tools or appliances used for cooking, switch guard and others can cause sparks to ignite combustible materials and intensify rapidly. Old buildings with bad wiring, surging and poorly worked on or uncovered, presents more concerns.
Electrical fires requires non- conductive materials to extinguish the flames, so water alone is not a good solution.
Facilities with sensitive equipment may prefer clean agent suppression because it won’t leave residue or damage electrical equipment.
CLASS D FIRES: METALLIC FIRES
Class D fires are less common compared to other classes, but they do require special attention because they can be especially difficult to extinguish. Metallic fires involve flammable materials like titanium, aluminum, magnesium, and potassium- all commonly occurring in laboratories.
Class D fires cannot be addressed with water, as this can exacerbate the fire and be potentially dangerous. Dry powder agents are the best solution for smothering the flames and limiting damages to property or people.
CLASS K FIRES:
Greases fires or cooking fires class K fires involves flammable liquids, similar to class B fires, but are specifically related to food service and the hotel and restaurant industry. These common fires start form the combustion or liquid cooking materials including grease, oils and vegetables and animal fats.
Because they can spread quickly and difficult to manage, class K fires are some of the most dangerous. Water can make the situation worse but smothering the flames or using a wet agent fire extinguisher’s effective.
After understanding how each fire starts, we can prepare for how to fight them or better yet prevent them from happening in the first place.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE 5 DIFFERENT CLASSES OF FIRES
Being ready for whatever fire danger, involves three areas of focus: equipping yourself with the right fire extinguishers to your corresponding fire classes, committing to regular fire safety training and keeping all equipment in place consideration. By maintaining each of the above, you should be able to react appropriately in a fire emergency no matter what class of fire you face.
WHY CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Different types of fire extinguishers exist in order to address the 5 different classes of fires. Each fire class describes the fuel or material a fire is burning or what caused it to start. Therefore using the right extinguisher is essential to put out the fire safety and effectively.
Here’s a quick chart to help choose the right fire extinguisher for each class of fire.
| Fire class | Fuel type | How to suppress | Fire Extinguisher Type |
| Class A | Freely burning combustibles | Water, smothering | ABC/powder, water ,water mist, foam |
| Class B | Burning or gas | Smothering | ABC/powder, Co2, water mist, clean agent |
| Class C | Electrical fire | Non- conductive chemical | ABC/powder , Co2, water mist, clean agent |
| Class D | Metallic fire | Dry powder agent | Powder |
| Class K | Cooking or grease fire | Smothering , wet chemical | Wet chemical water mist |
COMPLETE REGULAR TRAINING.
Make sure staff know how to operate a fire extinguisher and when it’s needed, especially for the classes of fire you are most likely to face. Help staff understanding how to tell when a fire is too advanced to address themselves, and when and how to contact the authorizes promptly. Commit to regular fire safety training to stay current on preparedness skills, technologies, and equipment.
Pair your fire extinguisher training with a practiced evacuation plan.
Keep up with testing and maintenance.
Remember to have equipment inspected regularly, tested and maintenance carries out once they pass their expiration.
No matter what class of fire you’re protecting against, Anse fire safety has the tools, technology and expertise you need. Form fire safety training to fire suppression system installation, inspection, testing and maintenance.