The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) classifies fire damage by fuel type. Here are the 6 different types of fires:
Class A: Ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. They burn with an ember and leave ash. Extinguish by cooling the fuel to a temperature that is below the ignition temp. Water and other extinguishing agents are effective.
Class B: Flammable liquids (which burn at room temperature) and combustible liquids (which require heat to ignite). Petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. High fire hazard; water may not extinguish. Extinguish by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, such as a layer of foam.
Class C: Fuels that would be A or B except that they involve energized electrical equipment. Special techniques and agents are required to extinguish, most commonly carbon dioxide or dry chemical agents. The use of water is very dangerous because water conducts electricity.
Class D: Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. Most cars contain numerous such metals. Because of extremely high flame temperatures, water can break down into hydrogen and oxygen, enhancing burning or exploding. Extinguish with special powders based on sodium chloride or other salts; also clean dry sand.
Class K: Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
Any of the above types of fires can be devastating. We are the fire restoration experts in Lafayette and the surrounding areas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Covington, and Houston, Tx.
No matter the disaster, Continuum Restoration is here to help when you need us.