Class A and B Fires

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Class A fires are the most common type of fire and the kind that most of us are familiar with. They involve solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, or plastic. You might start Class A fires intentionally when lighting a match or starting a bonfire. Class A fires are the easiest to extinguish. It is recommended to use a water or foam fire extinguisher. You can also use water to douse the fire, as it can remove the fire's heat supply.                                                      Class B fires involve ignitable liquids or gases like petroleum grease, alcohol, paint, propane, or gasoline.  These types of fires might occur anywhere flammable liquids or gases are stored or used. It's very important NOT to use a water extinguisher on a Class B fire. The stream of fire might spread the flaming material rather than extinguish it. Class B fires should be extinguished using foam, powder, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. These types of extinguishers work by cutting off a fire's oxygen supply.