A Class C fire in the UK refers to a fire ignited by flammable gases like butane, propane, methane, hydrogen or natural gas. Gases can be highly flammable and explosive, meaning Class C fires are among the most dangerous of scenarios.
Flammable gases, such as butane and propane, are usually stored in gas canisters, which are regularly found in specific storage facilities and trade properties. Class C fires can also occur around gas BBQs or gas camping stoves, and when other natural gases are used at home to prepare food or heat properties.
Class C fires can spread quickly and cause significant damage, and pose a threat to public safety. Moreover, Class C fires are very difficult to extinguish, as water can exacerbate and actually spread the fire, so it’s simply not the case that any fire extinguisher is suitable for battling a Class C fire.
What causes a Class C Fire?
Class C fires occur when a gas leak is exposed to some form of ignition. This can happen when equipment is poorly maintained, installed or used improperly.
Leaks in gas lines or appliances are among the most common causes of Class C fires. Gas leaks can occur in any property where natural and flammable gases are stored or utilised, including business properties and the home.
One of the other most common causes is the improper use of gas appliances. For instance, if a gas stove is left on after cooking, the gas can ignite and cause a Class C fire.
Similar to other UK fire classifications, Class C fires are linked to ignitions caused by electrical sparks. Faulty or mis-managed electrical equipment that comes into contact with flammable gases can lead to devasting Class C fire scenarios.
There is also a Class C fire risk if flammable gases are close to open flames, such as bonfires or barbecues.
How to Prevent a Class C Fire
Any containers of natural or flammable gases should not be used if they have sustained any damage, whether at home, in storage or work facility.
The personnel responsible should regularly examine gas containers for signs of rust, dents or decay and ensure that they are properly sealed at all times in approved canisters. A fire risk assessment should also be carried out for an approved contractor to determine if flammable gases pose any Class C fire risks.
Gas containers should always be stored as far as way from ignition sources, such as open flames and electrical equipment. Buildings made with fire resistant walls and explosion relief can also be used to store cannisters in order to contain a potential Class C fire. For this, a fire compartmentation survey can be used to assess whether the property has the potential to safely store flammable gases.
Whether at home or in a business property or storage facilities, you should regularly check for gas leaks. A neat trick for checking for gas leaks is to mix soap with water near a suspected leak. There could be a gas leak if bubbles start to appear, and gives you the opportunity to switch off your gas supply.
Home appliances such as ovens, stoves and boilers should also be regularly inspected and serviced by Gas Safe accredited engineers. If gases are detected around the home or workplace, you should disengage all gas appliances as quickly as possible and contact an approved professional for advice.
What to do in the event of a Class C Fire?
If a Class C fire occurs in the home or workplace, one of the first things that can be done is to turn off the gas supply, if possible. Fires involving flammable gases can burn quickly and intensely, illustrating the importance of maintaining a safe distance whilst trying to extinguish a Class C fire.
As water cannot be used, it’s very important that only the correct type of fire extinguisher is utilised to try to fight a Class C fire.
The fire extinguisher used to extinguish a Class C fire is a dry powder fire extinguisher, as any other type can only exacerbate Class C fires, and even cause fuel and flames to spread.
A dry powder fire extinguisher effectively cools the flames until there is not enough to heat to maintain its burning. To prevent the loss of life during Class C fire, workforces should have the required fire training and fire marshal training to implement safe evacuation routes and emergency firefighters should be alerted at the earliest opportunity.
