Determine the fire classes to choose the right extinguisher.

The installation of a fire extinguisher in the home is essential as this equipment can help contain a fire. To ensure the effectiveness of the intervention, the provision of a device containing the extinguishing agent appropriate to the nature of the fire is essential. It is then necessary to determine the different classes of fire that exist and, above all, their respective extinguishing agents.

Class A lights

Class A fires or dry fires emanate from solid materials. These include paper, wood, cloth and cardboard. Because it is solid matter, the fire starts by slow combustion without any flame. Class A fires start with glowing embers and then ignite.

To contain the fire, you must rely on an extinguisher that works with a cooling system. In this sense, water extinguishers are very effective. Indeed, the water acts by cooling while isolating the air, which allows it to stop the supply of water to the fire and stop its spread.

Themulti-purpose powder extinguisher does not operate by cooling, but also masters Class A fires. Powder is an extinguishing agent capable of isolating air from fuel, giving it the ability to extinguish the fire.

Class B fires

Class B lamps are exclusively for fat fires. They come from flammable liquid or liquefiable solid materials. Oils, tars and varnishes are among the fuels that generate Class B fires. These emit steam. Under the effect of heat and mixed with air, the steam produces fire. In this sense, extinguishing by smothering is the best technique to contain this type of fire.

To eliminate Class B fires, you have several options. For example, you can use :

• a water extinguisher with additive
• a dry chemical fire extinguisher
• a foam extinguisher
• a gas extinguisher

However, it should be remembered that foam is the most effective extinguishing agent for fighting Class B fires.

Class C fires

Class C fires are fires generated by gaseous materials such as butane, propane or methane. To stop the fire, you must find its power source and shut it off. Keep in mind that the fire will not stop until you remove the fuel that feeds it. Gaseous fuels can also cause explosions.

To effectively control Class C fires, you can use designer powder and gas extinguishers. The latter has the advantage of being cleaner. Unlike powder extinguishers, it does not leave any residue.

Class D lights

All metal fires fall under category D. Because of the danger they can represent, the fight against Class D fires is solely the responsibility of professionals. Indeed, the risk of electrocution is important when launching the extinguishing agent. For this reason, the intervention of a specialist who is familiar with the handling of fire equipment is essential.

Class E lights

This class of fires included fires generated by live equipment, including electrical appliances. Note that this category no longer exists. Fighting fires generated by such equipment is also the responsibility of professionals. However, it is important to remember that the powder extinguisher remains very effective in stopping the start of a fire in this category.