After the fire has been detected appropriate action has to be taken to extinguish the fire with the right type of fire extinguisher. Different types of Fires have different characters and therefore, an appropriate type of Fire Extinguisher is required to be used. For instance, on Fire involving live electric circuit or electrical equipments, water based fire Extinguishers cannot be used as the same will cause Electrocution. Therefore, it is essential to select an appropriate fire Extinguisher for the classes of fire.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES:

For all practical purposes, fires can be classified under the following heads.

a) Class 'A' Fires - Fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles etc.

b) Class 'B' Fires - Fires in inflammable liquid like Oils, Solvents, Petroleum products, Varnish, Paints etc.

c) Class ' C' Fires - Fires involving gaseous substances under pressure.