Classification Of Fire, Fire Classifications

Class A

Fires involving freely burning materials. For example wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
Water, Foam, ABC Dry Powder and Wet Chemical Extinguishers.
Extinguishers with white, yellow or blue labels.

Class B

Fires involving flammable liquids. For example petrol, diesel, solvents, lubricants and spirits. Not alcohol or cooking oil.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
Foam, ABC Dry Powder, Monnex Dry Powder and CO² Gas Extinguishers.
Extinguishers with yellow, blue (not L2 or M28 Powder) or black labels.

Class C

Fires involving flammable gases. For example butane and propane.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
ABC Powder and Monnex Dry Powder Extinguishers.
Extinguishers with blue labels (not L2 or M28 Powder).

Class D

Fires involving flammable metals. For example sodium, lithium, magnesium and aluminium when in the form of swarf or powder.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
L2 Powder and M28 Powder Extinguishers (M28 Powder does not cover lithium).
Extinguishers with blue labels (not ABC or Monnex Dry Powders).

Fires involving electrical equipment. For example photocopiers, fax machines and computers.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
ABC Powder, Monnex Dry Powder and CO² Gas Extinguishers.
Extinguishers with blue (not L2 or M28 Powder) or black labels.

Class F

Fires involving cooking oil and fat. For example olive oil, maize oil, sunflower oil, lard and butter.

Appropriate Extinguishers.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers.
Extinguishers with yellow labels.