Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that feeds and sustains them. One of the most common types of fires is Class C fires, which are especially hazardous because of their association with flammable gases and how they can react if they’re not tackled correctly.
In this article, we will explain what a Class C fire is, delve into the various causes, outline the safest and most effective methods of suppression and extinguishing, and provide practical fire safety tips to prevent them in both domestic and commercial environments.
What defines a Class C fire?
A Class C fire involves flammable gases, such as propane, butane, or natural gas.
These types of fires are dangerous because gases can ignite easily and spread very quickly, sometimes causing explosive reactions.
What are the most common causes of Class C fires?
Understanding what causes a fire is the first step to preventing it from happening in the first place. In the case of Class C fires, the most common causes include:
- Gas leaks from appliances or pipelines
- Poor ventilation near gas-burning equipment
- Failure of valves or connections
- Accumulation of gas in an enclosed space
- Sparks or flames near gas sources
How do I suppress a Class C fire?
If you’re not fully equipped with what you need to extinguish a Class C fire, or you don’t have the confidence and training to do so, it is possible to suppress the fire until the Fire Brigade arrives.
Quick action is key to minimising the damage and any injuries. To suppress the fire, you should:
- Evacuate the area if there is a risk of explosion
- Shut off the gas valve or regulator to remove any further supply of the fuel
- Use a dry powder extinguisher to contain the flames
- Notify the Fire Brigade and gas provider at the earliest, safest opportunity
How do I extinguish a Class C fire?
If you are trained, confident, and capable of extinguishing the fire yourself (and the fire is small), there are a few critical steps to follow:
- Shut off the gas supply if it is safe to do so
- Use a dry powder fire extinguisher, using the P.A.S.S. method
- Evacuate and ventilate the building to prevent the gas from building up
- Call the Fire Brigade. Even if you believe that the flames are out, call the emergency services for them to use their expertise to assess the situation and potentially identify any risks of reignition
How to avoid Class C fires
Of course, the ideal situation is that the fire never occurs in the first place. Unfortunately, whenever we live or work around flammable gases, the risk is always there, but there are steps you can take to avoid Class C fires, including:
- Inspect gas lines and appliances regularly
- Install gas detectors in areas with gas-powered equipment (a Carbon Monoxide alarm will not detect natural gas, so this is not sufficient)
- Ensure adequate ventilation where gas is used
- Store gas cylinders safely and away from heat sources
- Train employees or those in your home to detect gas leaks and how to respond
Class C fires require specialised knowledge and fire fighting equipment to prevent, suppress and extinguish them. By understanding what a Class C fire is, some common causes and how to tackle and prevent them, you can protect your home, family, workplace and colleagues from danger.
Always remember: if you are not trained or confident in suppressing or extinguishing any types of fires, evacuate the area immediately and wait for the professionals.
Class C fire FAQs
There are a number of common questions about Class C fires, which we have covered below:
What are some examples of Class C fires?
Examples of Class C fires include leaking gas stoves and faulty gas lines.
What extinguisher is best for Class C fires?
Dry Powder extinguishers are the most suitable for Class C fires.
Can a Carbon Monoxide alarm detect gas leaks?
No. These are specialised devices and cannot detect natural gases.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.