A Class C fire is an extremely hazardous and explosive type of fire. This type of fire has the potential to be extremely dangerous due to the fuel – flammable gases.
Anyone tackling this fire class should understand the risks posed by the fuel as well as the right procedures to extinguish the fire. Using the incorrect fire extinguisher can make the fire much worse. As Class C fires often involve gas canisters, they are very unpredictable.
All classes of fires from A through to F behave differently and need to be managed safely, with the correct extinguisher used to safely put out the fire. Using the incorrect extinguisher can cause the fire to rapidly spread out of control.
What is a Class C Fire?
Any fire involving flammable gases is classed as a Class C fire. Burning gas is very volatile and explosive in nature.
Common fuels are butane and propane canisters which are found in building yards, factories and even home environments.
Class C Fires can start after a gas leak. When gas is released and encounters an ignition source, it causes a fire which can also involve an explosion.
These fires are often caused by faulty equipment such as rusty or dented gas canisters. Any suspected gas leak in the should only be dealt with by a professional.
Fire Symbol
The fire symbol for Class C fires includes the letter C and an image of a burning stove ring. Class C fires encompass cooking equipment in the home as well as factories, building yards, and even hospitals.
This symbol is used for all extinguishers dealing with any sort of flammable gas.
See Also: Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding – How to identify extinguisher types by the colour of their labels.
About Class C Fire Extinguishers
The most commonly used extinguisher for this fire type is dry powder. Water mist extinguishers can also be deployed in some circumstances.
Powder ones are often referred to as ABC extinguishers because they can be used within these three fire types and also electrical. This makes them the most versatile of the extinguishers on the market.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers contain mono ammonium phosphate. They fight C Type fires by “knocking down” the flames once discharged. The powder then creates a barrier between the fire and the air, smothering the flames.
Dry powder extinguishers can also be used when dealing with solid combustibles, petrol, and electrical fires, making them a good choice for dealing with fire risk in industrial environments.
The only downside is that they can reduce visibility quite quickly which can be problematic in enclosed spaces.
These extinguishers can also be used on Class A and Class B fires.
Water Mist Extinguishers
Water mist extinguishers release small water droplets or mist to tackle the heat caused by the fire. They cannot be used on large fires as they wouldn’t work quickly enough to get them under control.
These extinguishers release water slowly but should be used for small, non-electrical fires only.
How to Extinguish a Class C Fire?
When dealing with a Class C fire you should use a dry powder or water mist extinguisher. Class C fires have the potential to cause injury or even death and need to be handled very carefully.
It’s important to call for help if you are dealing with fire indoors as the powder can cause breathing difficulties and reduce visibility.
How to Use a Dry Powder Extinguisher
Ideally, only use an ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher in an outdoor environment as it has the potential to cause issues if inhaled in enclosed spaces.
On top of this, the powder causes visibility problems due to the fog it creates so make sure anyone aiming it at the fire stands well back and is on firm ground with room to move. Once the fire is out, check for signs that it has reignited.
- Get hold of the extinguisher and release the safety pin.
- Make sure to stand at a safe distance.
- Be sure to aim the nozzle not at the flames themselves but rather at the base of the fire.
- The powder can reduce visibility and can also get in your mouth and nose so be mindful of this.
- Keep spraying until the fire is well out with no risk of reigniting.
Types of Extinguishers That Should Not Be Used
You should not use CO², water (except possibly mist), foam or wet chemicals on Class C fires as these will all have an adverse effect on it.
These fires are dangerous and when mixed with something not suitable, they can turn a hazardous situation into a fatal one.
Class C Fire Prevention
Due to the dangerous substances involved in Class C fires, extreme care should be taken when dealing with such materials.
- Be sure all flammables are stored well away from flames.
- Avoid putting huge amounts of flammable gases together and instead store them in smaller quantities.
- Equipment should be tested regularly and replaced when faulty or fixed by a professional.
- Test all fire alarms and extinguishers regularly.
- Use a flammable cabinet or COSHH cabinet to store gas cylinders.
