Disaster Management — Science STD 8 — Question

There are five types of fire. This division is based on two criteria, viz.
(i) Which substance is being burnt, (ii) What is the method of extinguishing it.
1. Class A Fire: Commonly inflammable solid things such as wood, clothes, coal, papers can be burnt by this type of fire. This fire is extinguished by spraying water over it. This is also called cooling out. Water is effectively used to put off class A fire.

2. Class B Fire: Flammable liquid substances such as petrol, oil, varnish, solvents, cooking oil, paints, etc. catch fire and it is called class B fire. Since these substances are lighter than water, they can be extinguished only by foaming fire extinguishers.

3. Class C Fire: The fire caused due to gaseous substances is called class C fire. Domestic gas (L.P.G.) and acetylene can cause such kind of fire.

4. Class D Fire: Combustible metals catch class D fire. Metals such as potassium, sodium and calcium, can react with water at normal room temperature whereas magnesium, aluminium and zinc react with water at high temperature. When both these groups combine with water, it causes explosion.

5. Class E Fire: When electric components are subjected to fire, they form class C fire. Such fires can be caused by short circuit or due to problems in electric fittings. Such fire is extinguished with the help of carbon dioxide and non-conductive fire extinguishers.