Mold Remediation | Know Your Fire: 5 Classes of Fires
Mold Remediation | Unless you are a trained firefighter, you may not know that there are different classes of fires that can occur within a home. Each fire is different based on the source the originally started the fire. The different classes of fires correspond to the different kinds of fire extinguishers that you will need to have in your home in order to prevent a home fire and any kind of fire damage cleaning. Know the different kinds of fire by understanding the 5 types of fire below:
Class A: Ordinary Combustibles
This is the kind of fire that most homeowners think of when it comes to fires that start in a home. Things like wood, trash, cloth, plastics, and paper are all combustibles that would easily catch fire if near a heating source.
Class B: Flammable Liquids and Gases
This is one of the types of fires that could easily start in the garage. Storing any kind of flammable liquids or gases like extra gas cans, paint, or propane tanks can easily become dangerous in the event of a fire. Other items in this class of fire include butane and petroleum oil.
Class C: Energized Electrical Equipment
This type of fire could occur in either the garage or inside the home based on the source. A motor or car battery could start a fire within a garage while an old appliance could cause a fire within the home. Be aware of other smaller equipment that needs to be replaced like computer cords, cell phone chargers, and other devices.
Class D: Combustible Metals
Although Class D fires usually happen more in manufacturing facilities, they are always good to be aware of in case you have some combustible metals at home. Elements like sodium, aluminum, potassium, and magnesium are all combustible metals that can cause fires.
Class E: Kitchen Applications
Most home fires occur in the kitchen and require some degree of fire damage cleaning. Items like cooking oils, grease, and fats used while cooking in the kitchen can easily cause a fire. Make sure to use safe cooking practices as well as keep any kind of flammable liquid or item away from heat sources within the kitchen.
Understanding the different classes of fires will help when purchasing fire extinguishers for your home. Make sure that you purchase the right kind of fire extinguisher in order to put out a small fire within your home. If you experience a small or large home fire, call the experts at ServiceMaster of Charleston for their quick and effective services in fire damage cleaning.
