Types of Fires

Fires are classified into categories by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

Class A includes wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastic, etc.

Class B includes flammable and/or combustible liquids and gasses such as kerosene, gasoline, paint lacquer, solvents, etc.

Class C includes fires involving electrical equipment such as switch panels, power tools, appliances, etc.

Class D involve combustible metals or combustible metal alloys such as magnesium, potassium, titanium, etc.

Class K are kitchen fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking products such as vegetable oils, animal oils or fats.

The next step is to learn about which type of fire extinguisher to use in each situation.