Fire – Types and Extinguishing Methods

- Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in an exothermic chemical process of burning, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.  

Classes of Fire  

Class A  

- Involves: Solid materials (wood, paper, textiles).  

- Extinguishing Medium: Water.  

Class B  

- Involves: Flammable liquids (petrol, diesel, oils).  

- Extinguishing Medium: Foam, CO₂, Dry Chemical Powder (DCP).  

Class C  

- Involves: Flammable gases (Methane CH₄, Propene C₃H₆, LPG).  

- Extinguishing Medium: DCP, CO₂, Water.  

Class D  

- Involves: Metals (Aluminium, Magnesium, Copper).  

- Extinguishing Medium: DCP, Sand, Dry Soil, Limestone, Ash.  

Class E  

- Involves: Live electrical apparatus.  

- Extinguishing Medium: Non‑conductive agents (CO₂, DCP).  

(Water is not safe for electrical fires.)  

Methods of Extinguishing Fire  

1. Cooling – Using water to lower the temperature.  

2. Smothering – Using foam to cut off oxygen supply.  

3. Starvation – Removing the burning material or fuel source.