Class “A” Fires
Class “A” fires are fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, rubber, plastics, cloth and upholstery.
Water is the most common extinguishing agent used because of its cooling effect and availability.
Dry Chemical with an “A” rating can also be effective.
Class “B” Fires
Class “B” fires are fires involving flammable and combustible liquids and gases, such as fuel oil, gas, grease, alcohol, paints, solvents, propane and natural gas.
This type of fire is extinguished by smothering or displacing the oxygen.
Dry Chemical or CO2 are used on this type of fire.
Class “C” Fires
Class “C” fires are fires involving electrical equipment such as fuse boxes, electrical panels, transformers, computers, motors, generators and overheated electrical wiring.
Dry Chemical or CO2 are used on this type of fire.
Never use water on a Class “C” fire.
Class “K” Fires
Class “K” fires are fires that involve cooking oils or fats. Although such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable liquid/gas class, the special characteristics of these types of fires are considered important enough to recognize separately.
Wet Chemical extinguishers are used on this type of fire.
Never use A, BC or ABC extinguishers on a Class “K” fire.