A Class A fire in the UK is considered the most common fire type in the UK. Referring to a fire fuelled by regular combustibles such as fabric, paper, wood, cloth, rubber and some plastics, Class A fires are a danger to a wide variety of properties and settings, from homes and apartment buildings to businesses and industrial facilities.
The materials which cause Class A fires are widely known as “carbonaceous materials” as they contain carbon, the element which ignites and burns. Typically, a fire which produces ash is classified as a Class A fire.
What causes a Class A Fire?
Class A fires are caused by a variety of factors, and are probably the fires which the general public are most familiar with. If it’s a burning pile of trash, it’s probably a Class A fire.
Faulty electrical equipment is among the leading causes of fires in the UK. Elements such as overloaded circuits, loose wires and faulty appliances pose a considerable risk in buildings and properties. These omnipresent materials are likely to be surrounded by carbonaceous combustibles in our daily lives, which illustrates the importance of a regular fire risk assessment and statutory inspection.
Smoking materials like cigarettes, cigars and pipes commonly cause class A fires, particularly around the home or workplace. If smoking paraphernalia is not properly disposed, they can ignite combustible materials.
In outdoor facilities or even domestic areas, campfires and bonfires commonly cause a fire hazard. If the necessary precautions aren’t taken whilst assembling a campfire or bonfire, flammable materials can post a considerable threat to public safety, especially if left unintended.
Kitchen fires in commercial and domestic environments are regular causes of Class A fire scenarios. Whilst cooking or preparing food, it can be easy to leave food unattended on a stove or in the oven. Moreover, grease can contribute to fires, which not only illustrates the importance of a fire extinguisher or baking soda on hand, but maintaining clean kitchen facilities.
How to prevent a Class A Fire
There are a variety of measures individuals, businesses and workforces can take to reduce the chance of Class A fires.
One of the most crucial things to be done is to keep combustible materials that are carbonaceous away from heat sources. Materials such as wood, paper and fabric can ignite if improperly situated close to heat sources like hot surfaces, sparks, friction or electrical energy or any type of fuel source like liquids or gas.
Equally, it’s crucial that flammable liquids around the home such as gas or oil are stored in approved or certified containers and are not exposed to heat sources. Any flammable liquid spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia should always be disposed of properly. Although a cigarette or smoking item may appear to be diffused, there could still be the potential to ignite a flammable material such as paper or fabric. A cigarette should never be left unattended, nor should smoking in bed be permitted.
What to do in the event of a Class A Fire
One of the most important precautions to take which can prevent the loss of life during a Class A fire scenario is to ensure fit and proper smoke detectors and fire alarm systems are installed. The earlier personnel are aware of a Class A fire, the more time there is to alert firefighters and evacuate safely.
To extinguish a Class A fire, a Class A rated fire extinguisher should be available and fitted strategically. Water, foam and dry powder extinguishers can all be utilised to battle Class A fires; a water extinguisher effectively cools burning materials and smothers the fire but should not be used with electrical equipment. A foam extinguisher coats the burning material with a layer of foam to smother the fire but are generally not as effective as water extinguishers. Dry powder fire extinguishers smother the fire with a fine powder but are messy and difficult to clean up.
If a fire extinguisher is not available, a water hose, fire blanket or large non-flammable object should be used to smother the fire. A Class A Fire can continue to burn with heat, oxygen and fuel.
