Types Of Fire

Assigning a type or class to a fire extinguisher is based on the source of the fire. Since not all fires start from the same fuel source, Different materials or fuels create different fires and require different types of fire extingushing agents.
stopping it from spreading needs the right extinguisher for the fire. Matching both the extinguisher with the fire, one must honestly assess the fire hazards posed in the area you occupy. Having a fire extinguisher not matched with the fire type that may possibly happen in your environment is a waste of money and energy- that is if you get to try and arrest the blaze with the wrong apparatus.

There are four different types, or classes of fire.

Class A fires involve solid materials of an organic nature such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastics that do not melt.

Class B fires involves liquids. They include petrol, diesel, thinners, oils, paints, wax, cooking fat and plastics that melt.

Class C fires involve electricity.

Class D fires involve flammable metals such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium, sodium and potassium.

Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications.

The classification of fire is a guide on what kind of fire extinguisher is used in varying situations.
Some types of fire extinguishing agent can be use on more than one class of fire.
Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a particular fire extinguishing agent.
Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications. Your fire extinguishers should have ABC ratings on them.