You may have thought that all fires are basically the same. However, did you know that there are actually multiple classes of fire and different ways to tackle each one? So, how many classifications of fire are there? Continue reading our helpful article, filled with information on the different classes of fire, to find out for yourself.
How many classes of fire are there?
Fires are classified according to the material that ignites them. There are six different classes of fire in total, and each one can be treated in different ways, including the use of different fire extinguisher types.
The six different classes of fire are:
- Class A (solids)
- Class B (liquids)
- Class C (gases)
- Class D (metals)
- Class E (electrics)
- Class F (cooking fats & oils)
We’ll take a look at these in more detail now…
Class A (solids)
Class A fires are ones that are fuelled by solids, which could involve objects such as paper and cardboard. These are common in office buildings and manufacturing environments. It could even be furniture, fixtures and fittings, or the structure of a building.
This is one of the most common classes of fire because solids are the most typical type of ignition. This type of fire is hard to combat and eliminate. The only type of fire extinguisher that should be used with a class A fire is a water extinguisher.
Class B (liquids)
Class B fires involve liquids, such as fluids, solvents, fuels, inks, adhesives and paints. A fire risk assessment (FRA) of a building can pick up on potentially hazardous materials and their storage, which is imperative when trying to prevent fire.
The fire risk assessment report will suggest proper storage for flammable liquids to keep them away from sources of ignition.
Class C (gases)
Class C fires are ignited by gases, like methane, propane or butane. To prevent a class C fire, it is essential that all gases are stored in sealed containers in a safe area. The best way to combat a gas-ignited fire is to turn off all gas supplies. Once that is done, a dry powder extinguisher should be used to attempt to put the fire out.
Class D (metals)
While metals are not traditionally thought of as combustible materials, some – like sodium – actually can be. Metals are good conductors of heat too, so help to spread a fire and make it stronger. Another risk with metals and fire is that, at high temperatures, they can actually soften and melt which brings structural issues.
When attempting to extinguish a class D fire, water is a poor option as it can act as an accelerant. A dry powder extinguisher is more suitable. If it’s a small fire, it can be eliminated by covering it with sand or dry earth.
Class E (electrics)
When considering the different classes of fire, class E can be a difficult one, because electrical fires can fall into any of the classifications. Electricity is more of an ignition than a fuel, so it’s not strictly a ‘class’ of fire.
To avoid the chance of electricity igniting a fire in a workplace or residential environment, ensure that all electrical equipment and installations are fitted correctly, inspected and well maintained.
If you’re ever faced with an electrical fire, never introduce water to the problem. Instead, use a dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
Class F (cooking fats & oils)
The final type of fire is class F, which is cooking fats and oils. Essentially, these are fires started by deep fat frying and spillages of oil near heat sources in kitchens. The best type of safety measure for preventing class F fires is to never leave food or frying equipment unattended while in use.
A fire blanket thrown over the top of a small class F fire can help to extinguish this. Kitchens in workplaces and residential buildings should have a fire safety blanket to use in case of an ignition.
Fire safety at NW Fire Solutions
Keeping your place of work or your home safe from fire is imperative to preventing loss of life or serious injury. Ensuring residential areas and workplaces have an up-to-date fire risk assessment is the best way to prepare for the event of fire.
If you require any assistance, or would like to know more about how you can keep your premises safe from fire, don’t hesitate to contact NW Fire Solutions today.
Our experts can carry out a fire risk assessment of your building or property and inform you of any changes that need to be made to ensure the safety of its occupants.