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There are 3 classes of
common fires and 2 specialty classes.
CLASS A: Class A fires involve common
combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber,
trash and plastics. They are common in typical
commercial and home settings, but can occur
anywhere these types of materials are found.
CLASS B: Class B fires involve flammable
liquids' gases, solvents, oil, gasoline, paint,
lacquers, tars and other synthetic or oil-based
products. Class B fires often spread rapidly
and, unless properly secured, can re-flash after
the flames are extinguished.
CLASS C: Class C fires involve energized
electrical equipment, such as wiring, controls,
motors, data processing panels or appliances.
They can be caused by a spark, power surge or
short circuit and typically occur in locations
that are difficult to reach and see.
CLASS D: Class D fires involve combustible
metals such as magnesium and sodium. Combustible
metal fires are unique industrial hazards which
require special dry powder agents.
CLASS K: Class K fires involve combustible
cooking media such as oils and grease commonly
found in commercial kitchens. The new cooking
media formulations used form commercial food
preparation require a special wet chemical
extinguishing agent that is specially suited for
extinguishing and suppressing these extremely
hot fires that have the ability to reflash.
(NOTE: Although ABC and BC Dry Chemical
extinguishers can control a fire involving
electronic equipment, the National Fire Code (NFPA
75-1999 edition), Section 6-3-2, specifically
advises against dry-chemical extinguishers for
fires involving computers or other delicate
electronic equipment due to the potential damage
from residues.
Standard for the Protection of Electronic
Computer/Data Processing Equipment
6-3.2 Listed extinguishers with a minimum rating
of 2-A shall be provided for use on fires in
ordinary combustible materials, such as paper
and plastics. Dry chemical extinguishers shall
not be permitted.")
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