The Five Classes of Fire

Understanding the five classes of fire is essential for comprehensive fire safety preparedness. Each class represents different types of fuel and requires specific approaches for extinguishment. Class A fires, fueled by ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, are common in residential and office settings. They can typically be extinguished with water or foam. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline and paint, requiring smothering agents like dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers.

Class C fires involve electrical equipment and should be handled cautiously to avoid electrical shock, using non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide or dry powder. Class D fires, involving combustible metals like titanium and magnesium, demand specialized dry powder extinguishers due to the unique properties of metal fires. Lastly, Class K fires, typically found in commercial kitchens from cooking oils and fats, require wet chemical extinguishers to effectively smother the flames.

For a deeper understanding of fire classes and enhancing your fire safety strategy, explore further below.