Types of Fire

A layman judges a fire by its intensity and destruction. However for a professional, the matter is different, it is categorized by the burning agents who are involved in fire. On the basis of burning agents, the fire has been divided into five categories, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class F.

For a professional, it is necessary to have knowledge of different types of fires because when you are going to fight a fire, a wrong method may cause the situation worse. For a layman, to have the knowledge of different types of fire is also very beneficial because eruption of fire is a common phenomenon around us and in case, no professional help is available immediately, then a layman can also extinguish the fire with available sources, if he/she has some knowledge about types of fire.

Class A Fire is the most common type of fire. Solid combustibles materials like Wood, Paper, Cloth or Plastic are the burning agents. At a small scale, this fire can be extinguished simply by putting water on the fire. However, at a higher scale, a suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish the fire.

Class B Fire occurs due to flammable liquids or gases such as petroleum, alcohol, paint, propane or gasoline. For this type of fire, a suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish it at a smaller level. If flammable liquid or gases are stored in a place for commercial purposes, then a suitable fire suppression system must be installed at that place.

Class C fires are also called electrical fires because these fires involve electrical equipment. They may occur due to use of sub-standard electrical equipment, old and worn out wirings, worn out breaker boxes, frayed electrical cords or faulty appliances. Class C fires are very common in residential as well as industrial settings. Apart from a suitable fire extinguisher, the first thing to do is to disconnect the power source from the appliance or item. Then, a suitable fire extinguisher should be used to extinguish the fire.

Class D Fire is rare, but it can happen when a metal ignites. This fire commonly occurs in industrial settings. Class D fire may occur due to the metals like aluminium, sodium, magnesium and potassium because these metals are alkali base and may ignite when exposed to air or water. A suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish the fire because a wrong chosen fire extinguisher can make the situation worse.

Class F or sometimes termed as Class K involves cooking oils such as vegetable oil or animal fats. This fire occurs while cooking. At a smaller scale, a suitable fire extinguisher can douse the fire; however at a big scale where cooking oils are stored, fire suppression system is necessary.

In next article, suitable fire extinguishers will be discussed to douse the different types of fire.