The 6 Types And Classes Of Fire & How To Put Them Out

• Fire classes are categorised by the type of combustible material and the required firefighting method.

• Different fire classes include: Class A (combustible materials), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (flammable gases), Class D (burning metals), Class E (electrical fires) and Class F (cooking oils and fats).

• Installing smoke alarms, maintaining suitable fire extinguishers, and conducting regular fire safety drills improve emergency preparedness and reduce fire risks.

• TATA AIG offers a customised fire insurance plan with broad coverage and optional add-ons to address fire-related risks.

Depending on the type of material it involves and the damage it can cause, fires have been classified into different classes. Let us explore these classes of fire in detail.

Class A Fire - Combustible Materials

Combustible materials like textiles, paper, plastic and wood generally cause class A fire. These combustible materials or solids are quite common in homes, offices and other premises. Compared to other classes of fire, these classes are less damaging and easier to put out.

How to Put Out Class A Fire

To put out this class of fire, you can easily use a water or foam fire extinguisher. You can also put out the fire with plain tap water to cut off its heat source.

Class B Fire - Flammable Liquids

Another class of fire involves flammable or explosive liquids. These liquids items can be solvents, fuels, inks, cleaning fluids and more. This type of fire is quite common in industrial settings due to the presence of large flammable liquids. This fire can cause severe damage to the business and property.

How to Put Out a Class B Fire

To put out a class B fire, it is recommended to use a powder, foam or CO2 fire extinguisher. A foam extinguisher helps cut off the oxygen supply, while a dry powder extinguisher helps interrupt the chemical reaction. Compared to both, CO2 has limited suitability.

Class C Fire - Flammable Gases

Class C fire involves flammable gases such as LPG and natural gas. These gases are generally stored in sealed containers, which are operated by a skilled person. This class of fire is common in industrial areas, chemical plants, manufacturing units and more.

How to Put Out a Class C Fire

To tackle this type of fire, a powder fire extinguisher is a suitable solution. These extinguishers help in disrupting the chemical equation.

Class D Fire - Burning Metals

Class D fire involves combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, aluminium powder, and lithium. These metals can burn at extremely high temperatures and may react strongly with water or other common extinguishing agents, making them particularly hazardous. Such fires are commonly found in manufacturing facilities, metal processing units, laboratories, and industrial plants.

How to Put Out Class D Fire

A specialised class D dry powder fire extinguisher is the safest way to extinguish a metal fire. The dry powder forms a protective layer over the burning metal, cutting off the oxygen supply and absorbing heat to suppress the fire.

Class E Fire - Electrical Fire

Class E, also known as electrical fires, are caused by live or faulty electrical equipment. Such a fire can occur in any setting, indoors or outdoors and can involve an electrical device or component.

How to Put Out Class E Fire

To put out this kind of electrical fire, powder and CO2 fire extinguishers are used as they do not rely on any liquid agent. However, before using any type of fire extinguisher, it is recommended to switch off the entire electrical supply.

Class F Fire - Cooking Oils and Fats

Class F fire involves cooking oils and fats, such as vegetable, sunflower, and olive oils, as well as animal fats, that ignite at high temperatures. Overheated cooking appliances commonly cause these fires and are most likely to occur in home kitchens, restaurants, hotels, and commercial food establishments.

How to Put Out Class F Fire

A wet chemical fire extinguisher is the most effective solution for a Class F fire. It releases a fine mist and a specialised chemical that cools the burning oil and forms a protective soap-like layer over the surface, preventing re-ignition.

Also Read: Classification of Fire as per Indian Standard

Here are some common safety measures that individuals and businesses should follow in the event of a fire hazard.

• Install smoke alarms or detectors in homes, business premises and other locations for early detection of fire.

• Along with installing alarms, businesses should also install adequate fire extinguishers to handle the fire hazard.

• Store flammable liquids, gases, and combustible materials safely and away from heat sources or open flames.

• Another common tip business and individuals need to have a fire evacuation plan for the emergency exit.

• Keep emergency contact numbers for the local fire department and rescue services easily accessible for quick assistance.

• Organise periodic fire safety drills and train occupants to use fire extinguishers and respond to a fire emergency.

• Keep emergency exits, stairways, and fire escape routes free from obstructions at all times.

Also Read: Fire Safety Measures for Factory Insurance Approval

Understanding the different classes of fire is crucial for businesses and individuals to respond safely and effectively to fire hazards. Each fire type requires a special type of fire extinguisher. Using the wrong firefighting agent can worsen the situation.

By identifying fire risks, maintaining appropriate fire safety equipment, and following preventive measures, property owners can minimise damage and protect lives. In addition to knowing the different types of fire, businesses and individuals should also invest in fire insurance plans.

Considering this, TATA AIG offers a customised fire insurance online policy that provides financial protection against damage caused by fire and specified allied perils. Our fire policy also includes unique add-ons to address specific fire-related risks.

Along with this, we also offer a shop insurance plan that protects shops against theft, burglary and fire. Our plan comes with unique benefits like a dedicated service helpdesk, instant policy issuance, affordable premiums and more. Explore the TATA AIG website to know more about our business insurance plans.