Different Classes of Fire

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

There are many different classes of fire based on what fuels the flames. Even though there are a variety of fires, all fires are dangerous. The first step in protecting yourself, your family, and your home from different types of fires is understanding what fuels them and what extinguishes them.
Class A fires are fueled by ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, fabric, and most kinds of trash. Class A fires typically start at campsites, kitchens, backyards, schools, and forests. If a Class A fire does start and has not spread, pouring water or cutting off the oxygen supply will extinguish the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Flammable liquid and gas fuel class B fires. Not to be confused with a greasy kitchen fire, Class B fires start when gasoline catches fire. When a Class B fire starts never pour water directly onto the fire, due to gasoline's hydrophobic makeup the water will cause the fuel to spread, thus making the fire spread. Extinguishing these fires should be left to professionals. However, if that is not an immediate possibility, a CO2 extinguisher will effectively stop the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Electrical fires are categorized as a Class C fire. With the absence of an energized electronic device, it is classified differently. A Class C fire is extinguished the same as a Class A fire.
When cooking anything with grease, a Class K fire is possible. This class of fire starts when oil, grease, or vegetable fat ignites. Similar to the aforementioned Class B fire, never pour water on a Class K fire. Grease and oil repel water, and by pouring water directly onto the fire, it will cause the fire to spread. You can extinguish this fire by cutting off its oxygen supply with a CO2 extinguisher, but these fires need to be left to professionals.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Being educated about what to do and what not to do for different classes of fire can help you protect yourself, your family, and your home from disastrous fire damage.