HOW FIRES ARE CAUSED
ANYWHERE... ANYTIME... BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING
Fires, much like us, need three major elements to exist.
Heat, Oxygen & Fuel mixed correctly causes a chemical chain reaction which in turn starts a fire.
If just one of these elements are removed, the fire will be extinguished. Extinguishers are therefore designed to remove one or more of the elements needed for a fire to exist.
TYPES OF FIRE
Unfortunately, not all extinguishers can be used on any type of fire.
Some extinguishers may even make certain fires worse. Have a look at the various types of fires below and what type of extinguishers you should use.
CLASS A FIRE - FLAMMABLE SOLID MATERIALS
Class A Fires consist of ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, trash or any other solid combustible materials that leave an ash substance after burning.
The best medium to use on class A fires is a non flammable wet medium such as water or foam. in this way, solid fires are best extinguished by removing the heat element of the fire triangle.
ABC type powder extinguishers can also be used on class A fires which would smother the fire removing the oxygen element. Keep in mind that if the material is hot enough and the powder dissipates, the oxygen may return and the fire may reignite. It is therefore best to cool the material down after being extinguished by powder units.
CLASS B FIRE - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Class B Fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids, which include oil, petrol, diesel, paraffin and other similar liquid materials. Smothering effects which deplete the oxygen supply work best to extinguish Class B fires.
The best medium to use on class B fires would be a medium that would smother the fire. Such mediums include powder and foam (which also cools the fire). With that, liquid fires are best extinguished by removing the oxygen element of the fire triangle.
CLASS C FIRE - ELECTRICAL FIRES
Class C Fires are fires caused by Electricity such as short circuits through damaged cables or over-used plug outlets. Remember to always turn the power off before trying to extinguish a class C fire.
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers would be your best choice for class C fires. These extinguishers cause no damage to adjacent electrical components as they are clean and leave no left over particles. In an emergency, powder extinguishers can also be used, however, they may damage electrical components within the nearby vicinity. Electrical fires are generally extinguished by smothering, removing the oxygen element of the fire triangle.
Remember, DO NOT USE WATER or FOAM as these mediums conduct electricity and could cause further harm to the user.
CLASS D FIRE - COMBUSTIBLE METALS
Class D Fires are combustible metal fires. Magnesium and Titanium are the most common types of metal fires. Once a metal ignites do not use water in an attempt to extinguish it as this may cause an explosion. Metal fires can become extremely hot and separates the elements of water into hydrogen and oxygen, both of which are flammable. Only use a specialised Dry Powder extinguishing agent.
This specialised D class powder unit would work by smothering and heat absorption removing both the heat and oxygen element of the fire triangle.
CLASS F FIRE - KITCHEN OIL FIRES
Class F Fires are fires that involve cooking oils, grease or animal fat. Never use water on oil fires as the oil could splatter on the user causing serious burns. There are specialised equipment designed for cooking oils and grease, such as the water additive extinguisher. Purple K powder extinguishers can also be used, however would create a large mess to clean up afterwards.
Class F fires are extinguished by smothering and cooling down the fire removing the oxygen and heat element of the fire triangle.
FIRE SAFETY... WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Every day we use equipment that have the potential to start or cause fires, whether directly or indirectly. We use electric or gas stoves to cook our food, various types of heaters to warm our homes and are surrounded by flammable materials and liquids that could ignite at any time.
The main reason for injury or death due to fires, are because people are not aware of the fire until it's too late. Fires can quickly spread through a house or premises without your knowledge. A fire works in seconds... not minutes. It is critical that a fire is extinguished before it rages out of control as it can easily get to a point where extinguishers just won't be enough.
Below are a few tips to reduce fire hazards to help keep you and your family safe:
First and foremost, it's a great idea to take a basic fire fighting course. This is not an advanced course, but will give you a basic idea of the types of fire and what to do when you encounter such a fire. The course will also allow you the practical experience of holding and using fire extinguishers on actual fires. The course will only take just over half a day, however, the information and experience will prove invaluable.
Install smoke detectors so that you can get an early warning alarm of a fire, possibly before the flames start. An electronic smoke detection system is excellent, but can be expensive. For a smaller area (like a house), we suggest installing battery operated smoke detectors. These detectors will sound a high pitch alarm as soon as it detects smoke in the area they are installed. Such early detection can be the difference between life and death.
Keep matches, lighters and candles away from children. A leading cause of children's death through fire are because of curiosity and a lack of knowledge. Children are curious by nature and will in all liklyhood play with these items when they have the opportunity. Keep them out of reach and always remember to blow out the candles when leaving the room.
Smoking is unhealthy and you should stop as soon as possible. We do however understand that it isn't always easy, so try to follow these tips to reduce fire hazards. Try not to smoke in the house, never smoke near flammable liquids and don't press the cigarette against flammable surfaces like material. A major cause of fires in homes are people that smoke in bed while extremely tired or intoxicated. They fall asleep and drop the lit cigarette on the bed or carpeted floor which ignites.
Don't overload electrical plugs and outlets. This could cause an electrical discharge which could ignite flammable materials. It is also a very bad idea to run electrical cords under carpets as they can overheat and catch fire. Replace electrical cords such as extensions if they are damaged or frayed. It is always better to play it safe rather than taking a chance.
Always keep your oven clean. Old grease and cooking fats can help towards starting a fire. Curtains and towels are highly flammable so keep your stoves and burners away from such items while in use. Remember to never leave cooking food unattended.
Store flammable liquids (paint, paraffin, petrol, diesel, oil, thinners, turpentine, ammonia, etc) in a safe storage place outside the home. Also try to keep them in their original containers as these are designed for those specific liquids and should seal correctly.
Be careful how you store various chemicals in the home. Certain chemical combinations like washing powder mixed with domestos can cause a fire. Such chemicals that come into contact with each other can heat up over time and ignite flammable materials like a wooden shelf. Make sure your storage areas are clean and that the caps are correctly sealed.
Heaters are one of the major causes of house fires. Always ensure that there are no flammable materials or liquids near heaters when in use. Be extremely vigilant while using heaters and never keep heaters on while sleeping. Warmer blankets are another heating device that has been the cause of many house fires. Always turn off the blanket before you go to sleep and never leave them on unattended.
Low power heaters are preferable throughout the home as they don't heat to a point where they could ignite surrounding material.
If you have a fireplace, ensure that there is a securely fitted metal screen or glass door. Lit items or embers can spill out of the fireplace and ignite any flammable materials in the vicinity such as carpets or curtains. Ensure that your chimney is inspected and cleaned at least once a year to reduce any chances of blockage.
Educate children as soon as they are at an appropriate age. Teach them fire safety and make a fire plan for them to follow during a fire emergency. Ensure that they are aware of the escape areas and where to assemble safely.
If your clothes catch fire...
STOP... Never run as this will cause more oxygen and increase the flames;
DROP... Drop down to the ground immediately;
ROLL... Use your hands to cover your face and roll back and forth to smother the flames.
If there is smoke, crawl on your hands and knees. Smoke and fumes are extremely toxic. As heat rises, the fumes will rise too. All the cooler oxygen will drop to the bottom by the floor where the air will be clearer.
Always know your fire department's telephone number in case of emergencies. Place their number near the house telephone and save it on your cellular phone for quick access.
