FIRE FIGHTING

FIRST EDITION
The first edition covers fire fighting & use of fire fighting devices
Once a fire has caught and begun to grow, you are in an emergency situation with not much time to
combat. You have to move with all possible speed to extinguish it or arrest the spread till help
arrives. The fire extinguisher is a very effective weapon in your hands to fight fire. Remember to
fight fire only till such time that you dont endanger your life and or the escape route is still
available.

KNOW YOUR WEAPON

Extinguisher alone is no insurance. It will be an effective tool only if you are familiar with it and know how to use it.

TYPES OF FIRE
The type or class of fire depends on the fuel that is burning. There are 5 different types of fire.
Class A fires consist of ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, trash or anything
else that leaves an ash. Water works best to extinguish a class A fire.
Class B fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids, which include oil,
gasoline & similar materials. Smothering effect which depletes the oxygen supply
work best to extinguish Class B fires.
Class C Fires: Energized electrical fires are known as Class C fires. Always
de-energize the circuit then use a non-conductive extinguishing agent such as
Carbon dioxide.
Class D fires are combustible metal fires. Magnesium & Titanium are the most
common types of metal fires. Once a metal ignites, do not use water in an attempt
to extinguish it. Only use a dry powder extinguishing agent. They work by
smothering and heat absorption.
Class K fires involve cooking oils, grease or animal fat and generally have high flash
point. They can be extinguished by water mist.

HOW EXTINGUISHERS WORK

Three elements must be present for any fire to start. They are heat, fuel & oxygen. All
extinguishers work by cutting off one of the medium.

USING AN EXTINGUISHER
Check the pressure gauge. The niddle should be in the green zone.
There are 4 basic steps: Pull the pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the
trigger & sweep from side to side to smother the fire.

FIRE SAFE: SOME DOS & DONT

Never stand too close to fire when fighting it. Trust your instincts to tell you how near is near enough.
Always stay between the fire and the exit. Never let even a small fire block your exit path.
Before you start using an extinguisher, scan its rear label to confirm it is safe for the class of fire you will be fighting.

If by chance any part of your clothing catches fire, drop to the ground and roll over the burning area. Do not run as that will fan the
flames.