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Fire and Fire Extinguisher Classes
There are three types of common fires and two specialty classes. It is important to match the proper fire extinguisher to the size of the area you are protecting and the potential hazard. This is why fire extinguishers contain different agents and are listed for specific classes of fire. Fires are classified into five groups:
Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood,
paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common in typical commercial
and home settings, but can occur anywhere these types of materials are found.
Examples include: Trash, wood, paper and cloth.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids’ gases, solvents, oil,
gasoline, paint, lacquers, tars and other synthetic or oil-based products.
Class B fires often spread rapidly and, unless
properly secured, can re-flash after the flames are extinguished. Examples
include: Flammable liquids, gases and solvents.
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as
wiring, controls, motors, data processing panels or appliances. They can be
caused by a spark, power surge or short circuit and typically occur in locations
that are difficult to reach and see. Examples include: Electrical Equipment.
Class K fires involve combustible cooking media such as oils and
grease commonly found in commercial kitchens. The new cooking media formulations
used for commercial food preparation require a special wet chemical
extinguishing agent that is specially suited for extinguishing and suppressing
these extremely hot fires that have the ability to re-flash. Examples include:
Combustible Cooking Media
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium and
sodium. Combustible metal fires are unique industrial hazards which require
special dry powder agents. Examples include: Combustible Metals.
