There are several classifications of fire according to Fire Apparatus Magazine. Understanding the ins and outs of fire classes is very important considering the systems and tools needed to suppress fires. Generally speaking, increasing awareness of the classifications of fire is essential to understanding how to extinguish them. Most of us have heard of class A and Class B fires. However, there are several more classes of fire we need to discuss.
Class A-Class K Fires
Let’s break down each classification of fire:
CLASS A – These fire types are considered ordinary combustibles. This type of fire uses commonly flammable material such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and different types of plastic as their fuel source. This class of fire is very common and typically thought of as accidental.
CLASS B – This class of fire is considered a flammable liquid. This fire classification includes gasoline, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, and alcohols. However, Class B fires do not include grease fires from cooking. Conventionally, this type of fire needs to be smothered out.
CLASS C – Electrical equipment is associated with this Class. Equipment such as computers, servers, motors, transformers, and appliances are the force behind this category of fire. It is imperative that water NOT be used to extinguish this fire.
CLASS D – This classification of fire is in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. This specific class of fire can only be smothered and put out by depriving it of oxygen.
CLASS K – Cooking fires are very common and are typically the result of flammable liquids. When cooking oils remain heated for a long period of time, these high temperatures can ignite a dangerous fire very quickly.
How Foam Tenders Help Extinguish Fires
Foam tenders and Water trucks are necessary if a fire department wants to put out a variety of fires. Whether the fire began as a Class A fire or a Class C fire, fire medics and fire departments need a clear understanding of what type of fire they are dealing with. In fact, the most important thing about running a fire department is educating fire personnel. Ultimately, increasing the knowledge of the department will ultimately increase the confidence of the department as well, which will lead to saving lives.
We custom build foam tenders at Osco Tank & Truck Sales to include the tools needed. Additionally, we can refurbish the tank you already own to make it fit your exact needs. Ultimately, we commit to building a tank or truck that includes the input of the buyer at all levels. We understand that every financial budget differs, so we work with our customers to ensure quality control.
Do you want to build a valuable tank or truck? If the answer is yes, please reach out to us today so we can discuss the options available. Call us at 309-526-3636, email us at sales@oscotank.com, or request a call back. For more quality information, sign up for Osco’s newsletter here!
