fire-classes
What is Fire?
Fire is... Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion, where heat, fuel, and oxygen combine to produce flames, heat, and light.
Fire needs three things to exist:
- Fuel (something to burn) ⛽
- Heat (enough to ignite the fuel) 🔥
- Oxygen (to support combustion) 💨
Remove one of these and the fire goies out.
What Are the Classes of Fire?
- Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash 🌳
- Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, paint) ⛽
- Class C: Electrical equipment 🔌
- Class D: Combustible metals (magnesium, titanium) ⚙
- Class K: Cooking oils and grease (commonly in kitchens) 🍳
smoke-wood
What is Smoke? 💨
Smoke is made of tiny particles and gases released when materials burn. It can signal fire danger even before flames are visible.
What's in Wood?
Wood contains: 🌳
- Water
- Volatile organic compounds (can burn)
- Carbon (fuel)
- Ash (non-burnable minerals)
type-size
What Type of Extinguisher Do I Need? 👨🚒
- ABC-rated extinguishers are versatile and handle most common fires.
- Different areas need different extinguishers—use Class K in kitchens, use BC for electrical equipment, Class D in industrial settings, and ABC for general use.
- Using the wrong extinguisher can make the fire worse—never use water on grease or electrical fires.
What Size Extinguisher Do I Need?
Check the rating label like 2A:10B:C
- Higher numbers = larger fire coverage
- Make sure you can lift and operate easily
how-when
🔥 How Do I Use an Extinguisher? 🔥
Use the P.A.S.S. method:
- Pull the pin
- Aim low at the base of fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
🚫 When Should I NOT Use an Extinguisher? 🚫
Check the rating label like 2A:10B:C
- The fire is too big or spreading
- There's heavy smoke or toxic fumesMake sure you can lift and operate easily
- You feel unsafe
- You don't have a clear escape route
Always call 911 first.
smoke-detectors
🔍 How Smoke Detectors Work 💨
- Every smoke alarm has two basic parts: a sensor that detects smoke particles, and a horn/alarm that alerts you when danger is detected. (Wikipedia)
- They are typically powered by a 9 volt battery, by house current (e.g., 120 volt wiring), or a combination of both with battery backup. (First Alert)
- According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), properly installed smoke alarms can reduce your risk of dying in a house fire by about 55%. (NIST)
📡 Photoelectric vs. Ionization Detectors 📡
- Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and sensor inside a chamber. When smoke particles scatter the light onto the sensor, the alarm goes off. These are better at detecting smoldering fires (like a couch or mattress slowly burning). (Kidde)
- Ionization detectors contain a small source of radioactive material that causes ions (charged particles) to flow between plates. When smoke enters, it disrupts this flow and triggers the alarm. These tend to respond faster to fast flaming fires (like paper fire or gasoline). (First Alert)
- Because neither type is perfect for every fire scenario, experts recommend installing both types or using a dual sensor alarm that has both technologies built in. (First Alert)