Fires are grouped into ‘classes’ based on the fuel they burn. The different classes are called Class A, B, C, D, F and Electrical.
Knowing the class means the correct fire extinguisher can be used.
Class A: Class A fires burn flammable solids such as paper, wood, coal, plastic, furniture, textiles.
Class B: Class B fires burn flammable liquids such as paint, petrol, oil, diesel.
Class C: Class C fires burn gasses such as natural gas, hydrogen, propane and butane.
Class D: Class D fires burn metals such as potassium, aluminium, and magnesium.
Class F: Class F fires are fires that involve cooking oils and fats. Fires of this class can occur in food premises.
Electrical Fires: This type of fire does not have its own class because fires involving electrical equipment can fall into any of the other classes.
