The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies fires into five general categories (U.S.):
Class A fires are ordinary materials like burning paper, lumber, cardboard, plastics etc.
Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, and common organic solvents used in the laboratory.
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes, power tools, hot plates and stirrers. Water can be a dangerous extinguishing medium for class C fires because of the risk of electrical shock unless a specialized water mist extinguisher is used.
Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium as well as pyrophoric organometallic reagents such as alkyllithiums, Grignards and diethylzinc. These materials burn at high temperatures and will react violently with water, air, and/or other chemicals. Handle with care!!
Class K fires are kitchen fires. This class was added to the NFPA portable extinguishers Standard 10 in 1998. Kitchen extinguishers installed before June 30, 1998 are "grandfathered" into the standard.
When it comes to the size rating of each:
A - water equivalency (1A = 1.25 gallons of water)
B - Square footage covered (10B = 10 square feet)
C, D, K - No size ratings
Fires can happen practically anywhere. Do you have the equipment to handle one, effectively evacuating your home or workplace and extinguishing the flames? If not, be prepared with our fire safety equipment. Designed for homes, vehicles, and workplaces, our selection of fire safety equipment covers personal kits to larger supplies for homes and buildings. Browse through our selection to find the best products for protecting yourself and your home or workplace today.
Those trapped in a building with a spreading fire may inhale smoke. To safely get yourself and others out of the area, always have smoke masks and hoods in an accessible place. For this purpose, we offer such fire safety equipment at professional strength.
What if a door needs to be broken down or others must be rescued from a window? Make sure fire equipment like ladders and axes are on hand. For a ladder, attach it to a window and climb to safety.
But, fires don't happen just in enclosed buildings - they can happen on the road. In the event your vehicle catches fire, be equipped with the right supplies to handle it. Survival Supply offers vehicle fire kits, all of which contain an extinguisher, a hammer, gloves, reflective triangle, and other safety supplies.
In anticipation of any possible fires, equip your workplace or yourself with the right supplies. Find kits and other fire safety equipment that meet your needs through our store.