🔥 Fire can start in many ways — in the kitchen, in a car, or even due to an electrical fault. But not all fires are the same! Knowing the types of fire helps us choose the right way to extinguish them safely. Let’s learn about the main fire classes used around the world.
Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion.
It happens when a fuel (like wood or gas) reacts with oxygen from the air and produces heat, light, and smoke.
In simple words:
Fire = Fuel + Heat + Oxygen
🔴 Class A –
Ordinary Combustibles
Cause: Fires
involving everyday materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic, and trash.
Example: Burning furniture, books, or clothes.
Best Extinguisher: Water or foam extinguishers.
💡 Tip: Never use water if the fire involves
electrical items!
🟠Class B –
Flammable Liquids
Cause: Fires
from liquids like petrol, diesel, paint, or oil.
Example: Car fuel fire or kitchen oil fire.
Best Extinguisher: Foam, CO₂, or dry chemical powder.
💡 Tip: Never throw water — it spreads the burning
liquid!
🟡 Class C –
Flammable Gases
Cause: Fires
caused by gases such as LPG, propane, or butane.
Example: Gas cylinder or pipeline fire.
Best Extinguisher: Dry powder extinguisher.
💡 Tip: Turn off the gas source before attempting to
put out the fire.
🔵 Class D –
Metal Fires
Cause: Fires
involving metals like magnesium, sodium, or aluminum dust.
Example: Industrial or workshop fires.
Best Extinguisher: Special dry powder extinguisher (metal fire
powder).
💡 Tip: Water reacts violently with burning metals —
never use it!
⚫ Class E – Electrical Fires
Cause: Faulty
wiring, short circuits, or overloaded appliances.
Example: Computer, socket, or switchboard fire.
Best Extinguisher: CO₂ or dry powder extinguishers.
💡 Tip: Always cut the power before firefighting.
🟢 Class F –
Cooking Oil & Fats
Cause: Fires
from deep fryers or cooking pans with oil or fat.
Example: Kitchen stove fires.
Best Extinguisher: Wet chemical extinguisher.
💡 Tip: Never pour water on hot oil — it can cause
an explosion!
🔥 Safety
Reminder:
“Prevention is better than firefighting — stay alert, stay safe!”