Dealing with Different Types of Fires

Understanding the anatomy of a fire may help Kansas City residents prevent the devastation of a house fire from hitting home. In order for a fire to burn, certain elements must be in place. Once an element of the fire is removed, the fire cannot survive and will fizzle out. Learning about the necessary elements for a fire to ignite can teach family members how to avoid an accidental fire.

Fire -- A Primer

Fuel combined with oxygen results in combustion. In order for a fire to survive, it must have fuel, oxygen, and heat. Remove any of these elements, and the fire will quickly die out. The takeaway for families is that anywhere in the home these elements may combine, there you will have a fire hazard. In order to stop a fire, you must remove one of the essential ingredients. If you can cut off the supply of oxygen, remove the fuel, or take away the heat, you will successfully put out the fire.

Combustion Dangers

Improper disposal and handling of flammable materials can cause house fires. Flammable liquid soaked rags can combust without igniting flame. When the right combination of oxygen and saturated rags or other materials come together, a fire can break out and quickly spread. For this reason, it is extremely important to learn how to dispose of flammable materials properly.

Fire Classification

Depending upon the type of material that is burning, fires are labeled by class which is denoted by letter: A, B, C, or D. Fire extinguishers will be labeled with color coded icons for each classification, depending upon the types of fire they are useful to put out.

• 1. Class A fires refer to items that will leave behind ash after they are burned. Burning paper, wood products, cloth, even some rubber and plastic are Class A fires. Class A fires can be prevented by ensuring that trash and clutter are disposed of properly. To put out a Class A fire use pressurized water or an ABC rated dry extinguisher on the flames. BC rated extinguishers should not be used for Class A fires.
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• 2. Class B fires are combustible fluid fires. Kerosene, gasoline, paint thinners, propane and even kitchen grease fall into this category. Prevention is common sense and begins with keeping these materials in a well-ventilated area away from sparks and flames. Never allow children to have access to combustible liquids. Follow recommended storage procedures for these dangerous liquids. In case of a fire, extinguish the blaze with foam, standard (BC), carbon dioxide or halon chemical extinguishers. The object is to cut off the oxygen supply to the flames.
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• 3. Class C fires are electrical fires usually involving an electrical appliance, computer, or electrical wiring. Electrical fires usually begin from a short in the wiring or overloading of circuits. Regularly inspect electrical lines and wires for fraying insulation. Watch for odors, like burning plastic, coming from electrical equipment. Dust and other materials can ignite near exposed light and running motors. If a Class C fire starts, cut the power source. Do not use water to put out the blaze. Use ABC rated, BC rated, or halon extinguishers.
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• 4. Class D fires are relatively uncommon within a residence. They involve substances like magnesium, titanium and sodium, as well as carbon and metal compounds. Chemical reactions involving Class D materials are unpredictable and dangerous. In the event of a Class D fire, dry powders are the best extinguishers. Sand, for example, effectively smothers the fires and prevents flying sparks as well as possible further reactions. Commercial extinguishers designed for the specific compound are necessary to put out Class D fires. If you will be working with these volatile substances, it is a good idea to keep the fire repellant made for that certain chemical. Water is never a good idea to use on Class D fires.

Preventive steps to protect your family and property from fire danger are imperative to understand. Before you begin a hobby or work with unfamiliar materials, educate yourself on the fire dangers and safety measures specific to the type of fire you may potentially face.

Burn injuries from fires can be devastating to any family. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident and suffered injury due to a fire, you may have a claim. The Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. For more information and a free consultation, please call us toll free at 888-348-2616.

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