From Grease to Gas: Conquering Any Fire With the Right Techniques
When a fire happens, knowing how to react can save lives and property from damage. Part of knowing how to react is understanding the types of fires and the correct methods to extinguish them. Using the wrong extinguishing method can be ineffective and dangerous, potentially worsening the situation.
At Foothill Fire Protection, we believe in the importance of knowledge and preparedness in fire safety. We ensure you are equipped with the right tools and information to handle emergencies effectively. We want you to be prepared, so we’re explaining the different types of fires and how to put them out.
Classification of Fires
Knowing how to identify and respond to different types of fires is part of effective fire safety. Each class of fire has specific characteristics and requires specific extinguishing methods to be handled safely and efficiently.
- Class A: This includes ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Water or a monoammonium phosphate fire extinguisher would be best because they cool the fire and coat the fuel, stopping the fire from reigniting.
- Class B: This includes flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, and propane. These fires require an extinguishing agent that can isolate the fuel from the air, like foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical extinguishers. These are designed to suffocate the fire and prevent re-ignition.
- Class C: This includes electrical equipment like computers, appliances, and wiring. When putting out an electric fire, it’s important to use a non-conductive extinguishing agent to avoid electrical shocks. CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers are best for these types of fires.
- Class D: This includes combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These materials require special extinguishing agents that smother and cool the flames, which are found in metal-specific extinguishers.
- Class K: This includes cooking oils and greases like vegetable oils and animal fats. Knowing how to put out a grease fire is important, since water can worsen it. For a grease fire, it’s important to use a Class K extinguisher, which smothers the fire.
The Five Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Just like there are different classes of fires, there are different classes of fire extinguishers. Each class of fire extinguisher is designed to tackle specific types of fires. Each type also has placement guidelines, so they’re easily accessible during emergencies:
- Class A extinguishers are important for general environments like offices or classrooms. They should be readily accessible within 75 feet of any employee.
- Class B extinguishers are necessary for areas where flammable liquids and gases are present, like auto repair shops or factories, and should be within 50 feet of any employee.
- Class C extinguishers should be placed in any business that uses energized electrical equipment, from power tools to appliances, ideally within 50 to 75 feet of all employees.
- Class D extinguishers are created for areas where combustible metals are handled, like laboratories, and need to be within 75 feet of those areas.
- Class K extinguishers are critical for kitchens and should be installed within 30 feet of the kitchen area to effectively stop fires caused by oils, fats, and greases.
Fire Safety Tips
When considering fire safety, it’s important to keep fire extinguishers accessible and in good working condition through regular inspections. Understanding which extinguishers to use for different types of fires in your environment is also part of an effective response.
Practicing how to use extinguishers using the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is also critical for homeowners, business owners, and employees.
Remember, in cases where a fire becomes too large or uncontrollable, your first step should be to call emergency services and evacuate the area promptly to protect everyone’s safety.
Choose Foothill Fire Protection
To keep your family and employees safe, knowing the classifications of fires and fire extinguishers is important. Being informed allows you to make the right decisions about what fire extinguisher to use during an emergency. Making fire safety and preparedness a priority helps keep you and your loved ones safe.
At Foothill Fire Protection, we prioritize your safety by providing comprehensive fire protection and electrical services tailored to your needs.
Our team of local professionals is committed to serving Northern California and the Bay Area with integrity and trust. We design and implement fire protection solutions that protect you, your property, and your loved ones.
For expert fire protection services in Northern California, trust Foothill Fire Protection. Contact us today to schedule your fire protection consultation.
