Types of fire

	Agreement reached about classes of fire in 1970 between European countries.
	Fire is classified mainly in four categories, namely A, B, C & D.

Class-A

	Fire involving solid materials.
	Normally of organic nature.
	Examples: wood, paper, textiles, fabrics, plastics.
	Most effective extinguishing medium is water.

Class-B

	Fire involving liquids or liquefiable solids.
	Extinguishing agents include water spray, foam, vaporizing liquids, carbon di oxide, dry powder.

Class-C

	Fire involving gases or liquefied gases.
	Normally in the form of jet or spray.
	Most effective extinguishing medium is dry powder.

Class-D

	Fire involving metals.
	Carbon di oxide and dry powder are normally suitable.

Class-E

	Fire involving live electrical equipments sometimes termed as class-E.
	Extinguishing medium: carbon di oxide.

Updated: September 16, 2007