Although all fires pose considerable risks to properties and businesses, it’s important to distinguish classes of fire so you’re equipped with the information required. Fire extinguishers are widely used in public spaces and buildings to battle fires should they occur, but a fire extinguisher is not always intended for a particular fire classification and can even exacerbate fire scenarios and pose significant risks to public safety.
How many Fire Classifications are there?
There are six classes of fire.
Class A – Combustible materials, including solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles.
Class B – Flammable liquids, including petrol, diesel and oil.
Class C – Flammable gases, including propane, butane and LPG.
Class D – Burning metals, including magnesium, aluminium and sodium.
Class E – Electrical fires, including electrical equipment.
Class F – Cooking oils and fats.
As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it’s a requirement of the business premises to provide the necessary fire safety equipment according to the type of fire risk which could occur.
This illustrates the importance of businesses and property owners thinking proactively about the risks that could occur. For example, commercial properties with kitchens or restaurants will be obligated to keep and maintain fire extinguishers suitable for Class F fires.
If you’re unsure of which particular classes of fire may be associated with your property, it’s important to contact fire safety personnel at the earliest opportunity. With a fire risk assessment, an approved fire safety expert can evaluate the premises to identify which classes of fire post the greatest risks, and provide the information required to install the relevant fire safety measures.
Some property types are at greater risks of certain fire classes than others, and each will require the correct type of fire extinguisher to be available should a fire scenario occur.
Different Types of Fire Extinguisher
Not all fire extinguishers are created equally.
Fire extinguishers are classified according to the classification of fire that they can extinguish.
There are a huge range of fire extinguishers available, all of which can be life-saving in the event of a fire. These types include Water, Foam, Powder, CO2, L2, Wet Chemical, MultiCHEM and Water Mist fire extinguishers.
Fire Classification | Fire Extinguisher |
Class A | Water, foam, powder, wet chemical |
Class B | Foam, powder, wet chemical |
Class C | Powder, carbon dioxide |
Class D | Powder |
Class E/Electrical | Powder, carbon dioxide |
Class F | Foam, wet chemical |