Classification of Fire

Class A

MATERIAL: Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics (anything that will leave an ash)

PREVENTION: Keep storage and work areas free of trash. Avoid placing materials next to possible heat sources.

EXTINGUISHMENT: Extinguish ordinary combustibles by cooling the material below its ignition temperature and soaking the fibers to prevent re-ignition. Use pressurized water, foam, or multipurpose (ABC-rated) dry chemical extinguishers. DO NOT USE carbon dioxide or BC-rated dry chemical extinguishers on Class A fires.

Class B

MATERIAL: Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, oil-base paint, paint thinners and grease.

PREVENTION: Don't refuel equipment while the engine is hot or in a confined space. Keep all flammable liquids in tightly sealed, spill-proof containers. Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas.

EXTINGUISHMENT: Extinguish flammable liquids by removing oxygen, preventing the vapors from reaching the ignition source, or inhibiting the chemical chain reaction. Use multi-purpose or ordinary dry chemical and carbon dioxide extinguishers on Class B fires.

Class C

MATERIAL: Energized electrical equipment such as appliances, switches, panel boxes and circuits.

PREVENTION: Replace electrical items with worn insulation or broken fittings. Don't misuse fuses - never replace a fuse with a higher rated unit. Don't overload wall outlets.

EXTINGUISHMENT: Extinguish energized electrical equipment by using an agent which is not capable of conducting electricity. Use multi-purpose or ordinary dry chemical and carbon dioxide extinguishers on Class C fires. DO NOT USE water extinguishers as water is a conductor.

Class D

MATERIALS: Certain combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These metals burn at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen to support combustion.

PREVENTION: Pure metals such as potassium react violently or even explosively with water. All reactive metals should be stored in sealed containers in a non-reactive liquid to prevent decay (surface oxidation) from contact with moisture in the air.

EXTINGUISHMENT: Extinguish combustible metals by covering it with a dry powder or sand. DO NOT USE water or other moist agent to extinguish a Class D fire as it will cause further reactions. Class D extinguishing agents (dry powder) are commonly available in buckets or boxes.

Class K

Due to new and improved cooking appliances, higher heating rates and industry trends towards using more unsaturated oils, the potential for severe restaurant fires is greater than ever. The 1998 edition of NFPA-10 contains a new Class “K” extinguisher rating to specifically identify and address these commercial “combustible cooking media” fire hazards in kitchens.

The fire fighting power and user friendly design of the new Badger Wet Chemical portable extinguishers make them the ideal choice for commercial restaurant applications.

These stored pressure extinguishers have been designed to offer the very best portable fire protection available to supplement pre-engineered restaurant suppression systems.