Types of Fires

Not all fires are the same. Different fuels create different fires and require different types of fire extinguishing agents.

Cooling the Burning Material

Cooling the burning material is the most common method used to extinguish fire. Water is widely available and the best cooling agent to use specially in fires involving solid materials. By evaporating in contact with fire, water also blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply. However, you should never apply water to fires involving hot cooking oil or fat; water can cause the fire to spread.

Excluding Oxygen from the Fire

Smothering agents are substances used to extinguish a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. Foam, which is the content of some fire extinguishers, can help to cool down and isolate the fuel surface from the air, eliminating combustion and being able to resist wind and draught disruption. However, never use foam on energized electrical equipment, because it is an electrical conductor. Other smothering agents include carbon dioxide, which is found in some fire extinguishers and is ideally used in electric equipment and sand, which is effective only on small burning areas.

Removing Fuel from the Fire

Another method of extinguishing a fire is to remove the fuel supply by switching off the electrical power, isolating the flow of flammable liquids or removing the solid fuel, such as wood or textiles. In woodland fires, a firebreak cut around the fire helps to isolated further fuel. In the case of gas fire, closing the main valve and cutting off the gas supply is the best way of extinguishing the fire.

Using a Flame Inhibitor

Flame inhibitors are substances that chemically react with the burning material, thus extinguishing the flames. Dry-chemical fire extinguishers work in this way, and can contain monoammonium phosphate, sodium and potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride. Vaporizing liquids, such as Halon, also have a flame inhibiting action. However, most of these substances have been phased out due to high levels of toxicity.

How to Put Out Different Types of Fires

by Monitronics Blog | Nov 24, 2014

A fire in the home can create a level of panic that is unmatched by virtually any other event. Unfortunately, what starts out as a very small fire can quickly become an inferno that can cause serious injury and death. It’s important to understand that trying to fight a small fire on your own could actually make the problem worse if it’s not done correctly.  We want to help you be safe by explaining how to put out different types of fires.

Before we get to firefighting techniques, remember that it’s never wise to put yourself in danger just to put out a fire. Your home and possessions can be replaced; you cannot. If a fire in your home causes you to feel threatened – whether or not you can fight the fire by yourself – protect yourself by calling 911.

Cooking Fires

Next to fires caused by careless smoking, cooking fires are the second most common in the United States. These kinds of fires can occur in the oven or on top of the stove. Here's what you need to know:

• Grease Fires– Since grease and water do not mix, grease fires will only be made worse by throwing water on them. Instead, turn off the oven or burner and smother the flames with something such as baking soda or salt. You can also attempt to cover the first with a lid to smother its source of oxygen. Never attempt to move a pan or pot with grease in it.
• Oven Fires– Fires inside the oven usually occur when food ignites or grease drips onto the heating elements. Turn the oven off and then smother the flames with baking soda or salt. Immediately close the oven door to cut off the air supply.

The best way to avoid cooking fires is to make sure you keep your oven and stovetop clean. Wipe down all surfaces and heating elements with a degreaser after every use. When cooking in the oven, use a drip pan underneath meats with excess fat. It is always a good idea to have a small Type B dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen as well.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can be caused by overloaded sockets, frayed wires, or equipment malfunction. As with grease fires, do not attempt to put out an electrical fire using water. Water conducts electricity, exposing you to the risk of electrical shock.

To put out an electrical fire, unplug the device if possible. Then smother the flames using a blanket or piece of heavy clothing. If you have a fire extinguisher in the house, it offers you another option.

As with kitchen fires, it’s easier to stop electrical fires before they get started. Routinely check cords for fraying or breaks. Also, avoid using extension cords for anything other than temporary power.

Storage Area Fires

A fire in a storage area can be caused by any number of things. For example, oil soaked rags can easily combust if exposed to even the smallest of sparks. Other causes can include improperly stored gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, and household solvents.

Type B fire extinguishers are your best bet for putting out fires related to petroleum products and solvents. Type A fire extinguishers work well for paper and similar items. In the absence of a fire extinguisher, smother the flames with a blanket or a heavy piece of clothing.

Natural Gas Fires

The most dangerous source of a house fire is natural gas. Turn off the gas supply and call the fire department immediately. If you cannot get to the shutoff, try to smother the flames with a heavy carpet or blanket. Even if you are successful in putting out the flames however, exit the home immediately. Leaking gas always poses a risk of explosion.

Chimney Fires

Any home with a fireplace or wood-burning stove can be susceptible to chimney fires caused by creosote buildup. Once a fire erupts in the chimney, it is already too late to fight it on your own. Get out of the house and call 911. Do not attempt to go up on your roof and douse the flames with a garden hose. Chimney fires can grow very quickly to engulf the entire structure.

A fire in your home is likely to be a major crisis, but you can reduce the chances of injury and property loss by installing a home security system with fire monitoringfrom Monitronics. We would welcome the chance to tell you more about how to make your home safer in the event of a fire.