5 classes of fires

Answer 1

Yes there are now 5 classes of fire. A, B, C, D, and K... Class A- Ordinary combustibles- paper, plastic, wood, fabric, etc. Extinguished with water or foams. Class B- Flammable liquids- gasoline, oil, kerosene, jet A, etc. Extinguished with foams. Class C- Energized electrical equipment- these become Class A fires when the electrical source to the equipment is disconnected. Then the fire can be extinguished with water, foam, dry-chem, etc. If the equipment is expensive or critical to business operations though, they can be extinguished with carbon dioxide extinguishers. Class D- Flammable Metals- magnesium, aluminum, potassium, etc. Water used to extinguish these fires causes serious problems, akin to using water on a gasoline fire. Dry powders or other smothering agents should be used for extinguishment. Class K- Cooking oil fire- fryer oil, grease, lard, etc. Extinguishment usually provided by saponification systems mounted on overhead vents or near fryer units. Saponification uses a solution that basically turns the grease/oil into a soapy substance and smothers the fire. Different from foam, but similar.

Answer 2

The five classes of fires are:

1. Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics.
2. Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and alcohol.
3. Class C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment.
4. Class D: Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.
5. Class K: Fires involving cooking oils and fats typically found in kitchens.