What are the different types of fires and how can you deal with them? Read on to find out!
All fires tend to spread pretty quickly and when left unchecked, can be quite devastating. However, not all fires are the same, i.e., each fire has its own fuels, risks, and hazards. Moreover, using the wrong type of fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire can accelerate it and lead to more damage. This is why you must know how to distinguish between the different classes of fire and ways to prevent them.
Here are 5 types of fires that you should know about:
Class A – Solids
Any fire that involves solid fuels such as cardboard, paper, fixtures, furniture, fittings, etc., falls under class A. It’s one of the most common types of fires as solids are a type of fuel that you can’t just eliminate from everyday use. However, with good housekeeping, flammable materials and waste can be reduced, which will decrease the chances of such fires.
Water extinguishers are used to extinguish such fires. However, these extinguishers should never be used near electrical equipment.
Class B – Liquids
Fires that involve liquid fuel such as flammable solvents, fluids, inks, fuels, paints, chemicals, and adhesives are all classified as class B fires. Even though these fires are rarer than class A fires, they are definitely deadlier. So, make sure to store all the flammable liquids at your workplace away from fire sources and practice safe storage. Powder or foam fire extinguishers work best to curb and extinguish class B fires.
Class C – Gases
Fires that are caused by flammable gasses such as LPG or natural gas are classified as class C fires. These fires are quite explosive, which is why such gasses should be stored in sealed containers at all times and dealt with only by the professionals. The first step that one should take to curb class C fires is to shut off the gas supply. After the supply is cut off, a dry powder extinguisher should be used to put out the fire.
Class D – Metals
Fires caused by metals such as sodium fall under class D fires. Metals are great conductors, so Class D fires spread quickly. Since all metals soften and melt at high temperatures, a class D fire can pose a lot of danger at a factory, where the building’s columns and joists are made of metal. Class D fires can actually spread if you try to put them out with fire extinguishers, which is why it’s best to tackle them with dry powder extinguishers. The type of powder inside the extinguisher varies depending on the kind of metal that caused the fire.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires don’t exactly have a class of fire designated to them since electricity doesn’t act as fuel for a fire. However, fires that start because of electrical equipment can be hazardous. This is why you must ensure that all electrical wirings and equipment are properly installed and maintained. Any type of fire extinguisher, except for water, can be used to extinguish such fires.
Fires often leave behind structural and property damage in their wake. To deal with fire damage, make sure to hire a reputable fire damage restoration service right away.
