Types of Fires and How to Put Them Out

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know there are at least five different types of fires? Each fire class requires specific methods to extinguish. Keep your home or business safe by keeping on hand the right types of equipment that are designed to put out specific types of fires.

Below is a quick run down of the types of fires and the ways to put them out;

• Class A Fires - Extinguish with water
  • Ignites from common fuel sources, like wood, trash, fabrics, paper, and plastics
  • Accidental
• Class B Fires - Extinguish by depleting oxygen
  • Result from an explosion of flammable liquids or gases
  • Flammable liquids: paint, tars, alcohol, oils, solvents, gasoline, and kerosene.
  • Flammable gases: butane and propane 
• Class C Fires - Extinguish by cutting power
  • Electrical fires
  • Common causes: space heaters, faulty wiring, outdated appliances and lights, transformers, motors, and overburdened surge protectors
• Class D Fires - Extinguish with dry powder agents
  • Sparked by combustible metals
  • Combustible metals: titanium, magnesium, sodium, lithium, aluminum, and potassium
• Class K Fires - Extinguish with chemical fire extinguisher
  • Cooking fires, Grease fires
  • Sparks from grease, lard, olive oil, butter, animal fats, and vegetable fats