What are the 5 different fires?

The way fire burns differs depending on the fuel source, so they are classified according to the type of fuel. Each type is sufficiently diverse, and we use different products and technologies to counter them.

We also use other building materials in areas where it is hotter and harder to extinguish fires. There are usually five categories:

Class A-Class A fires involve solid materials such as wood, garbage and textiles, and ordinary combustibles. These fires are the most familiar to us and the easiest to extinguish.

Class B-Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel, etc. The volatility of the fuel source makes fire extinguishing more difficult.

Category C-Category C fires involve electrical components and equipment used as fuel sources. This includes fires caused by incorrect wiring on walls, circuit breakers and incorrect wiring in appliances.

Class D-Class D fires involve metals. In rare cases, metals will burn. This is mainly a problem in the laboratory environment and certain production and other industrial processes.

Class K-Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats. Sometimes confused with category B, but they are not the same category. These fires usually start when an unattended pot catches because someone has left.

What is the fire resistance classification?

Fire protection grade is a method of classifying materials based on their ability to support and spread the fire, and also indicates the smoke produced by the material. This is determined by the flame diffusion index.

The flame propagation index is numerical and is usually obtained by checking the response of the material during a 10 minute tunnel test. The fire spread index value is expressed by any value of 0 for asbestos cement board and 100 for red oak.

Each fire classification is assigned a set of flame diffusion indices. A basic understanding of fire resistance assessment of structural elements is very helpful in protecting assets from fire. These are the levels recognized by the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code NFPA No. 101.