All Types of Fire
Fire is one of the biggest hazards to an organization. A fire can cause extensive ecological, economic and humanitarian impacts if it is not controlled on time. A fire needs heat, oxygen and fuel to burn, and the removal of one or all these components will eliminate the fire. While all fires have heat and oxygen in common, the choice of fuel varies between different fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) categorizes five different types of fires based on the source of fuel. Each class of fire corresponds with a different type of fire extinguisher. Using the correct type of fire extinguisher on a fire is imperative.
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Class A Fires
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Class A fires are those in which trash, grass, textiles, paper, wood or cloth form the burning material. According to Don Geary in the book "Welding," water can effectively extinguish Class A fires. Class A fire extinguishers commonly use water or acid and soda to put out a fire.
Class B Fires
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Class B fires include flammable liquids (paint, gasoline and oil) as fuel. Extinguishing the flame of a Class B fire will eliminate the fire itself since it will separate the fuel, or burning material, from oxygen. The most effective way of doing this is by using sand, powder or foam to smother the fire. According to Don Geary, water should never be used to extinguish a Class B fire since that may float the fuel and flames over a larger area, thereby spreading the fire instead of putting it out. Class B fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide, dry chemicals or foam to smother a fire.
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Class C Fires
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Class C fires are electrical fires caused by appliances, machinery, switches, motors or electrical wiring. These fires are best extinguished with a smothering action, after the source of power is switched off. Water should not be used to extinguish a Class C fire due to the risk of electrical shock. Class C fire extinguishers use Halon, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or some other nonconducting agent to extinguish fires.
Class D Fires
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Class D fires are due to magnesium shavings. They are best put out using fire extinguishers specifically designed for Class D magnesium fires.
Class K Fires
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Class K fires are due to high-temperature cooking fats, grease or oils. These are most effectively extinguished using Class K extinguishers, which use a specifically formulated potassium-based liquid to fight high-temperature fat, oil or grease fires.
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References
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