--- title: What Are the Five Classes of Fire? description: There are five classes of fire, each of which is based on the fire’s cause. For this reason, there are also five different classes of fire extinguishers.  image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Fire_Classes.png --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # What Are the Five Classes of Fire? Posted November 04, 2022 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![Fire_Classes](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fire_Classes.png?width=1200&height=599&name=Fire_Classes.png) There are [five classes of fire](https://blog.koorsen.com/understanding-fire-classes-for-effective-fire-extinguisher-use), each of which is based on the fire’s cause. Different classes burn at different speeds and require different types of extinguishing agents. For this reason, there are also [five classes of fire extinguishers](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2021/07/16/Fire-Extinguisher-Types).   Using the wrong [fire extinguisher](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) can increase your risks of electrical shocks, burns, or explosions. In some cases, the wrong extinguishing agent will cause the fire to spread faster. You can put out fires more safely and effectively when you’re familiar with these five classifications.  [![Fire Extinguisher Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/d28a8a4b-93cb-4b45-9fc3-d444f3fec313.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/d28a8a4b-93cb-4b45-9fc3-d444f3fec313) ## **Class A Fires**  A class A fire utilizes solid materials as its source of combustion. Any flammable solid can feed a fire, including wood, paper, fabric, and even light plastics.   Class A fires are the easiest to extinguish, as you can simply douse them with water. Alternatively, you can smother these types of fires by removing the oxygen from the area.  However, the best way to eliminate this type of fire is with an [ABC fire extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-a-fire-extinguisher-used-for), which uses a powdered chemical substance to smother the fire.  ## **Class B Fires**  This class of fire identifies those caused by liquid accelerants, such as alcohol, gasoline, or methane. Grease fires also fall into this category.  You can smother a [class B fire](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-b-fire-extinguisher-used-for) if you don’t have an [ABC fire extinguisher](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/). Use a fire retardant blanket or another fire-resistant material to remove the oxygen and stifle the flames.  ## **Class C Fires**  Wiring problems, such as shorts, faults, and electric arcs, often cause class C fires. These fires typically occur near outlets, appliances, and machinery. You can prevent a class C fire through regular electrical inspections and by replacing defective machinery or appliances.  To put out this type of fire, use non-conductive chemicals. An ABC extinguisher or a [carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-c-fire-extinguisher-used-for) will be most useful for this purpose.  ## **Class D Fires**  Metallic agents fall under the class D type of fire. These substances include titanium, zirconium, magnesium, or sodium. Consequently, these fires are more commonly found in labs or facilities that store chemical compounds.  You should never use water to put out a class D fire. Instead, you must use a [powder-based fire extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-d-fire-extinguisher-used-for). Using anything other than a class D fire extinguisher on these types of fires can cause the fire to spread faster.  ## **Class K Fires**  This classification refers specifically to kitchen fires resulting from grease or oil. Cooking oils like vegetable oil, peanut oil, and bacon fat often contribute to class K fires. This is the most dangerous type of fire because it spreads so rapidly.  The [class K fire extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-class-k-fire-extinguisher-used-for) uses a chemical-based foam to smother fires. Additionally, the foam helps reduce the risks that the oil or grease will splash or spread. It’s also possible to smother this type of fire if a [class K extinguisher](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) isn’t available.  ## **Keep Your Fire Extinguishers in Good Working Order**  In addition to complying with legal requirements, having your fire extinguishers inspected annually will help you protect your business. The yearly inspection will ensure the extinguishers work when you need them most. Always replace old or damaged fire extinguishers immediately.    To have Koorsen come out and [inspect your fire extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/), fill out the [contact us page here](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/).   [![Need Fire Extinguishers? Contact Us Now for Pricing!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/4802da5e-d34f-4d72-8f6e-0b5fee00609a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/4802da5e-d34f-4d72-8f6e-0b5fee00609a) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher), [Fire Safety](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety), [Fire Training](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [How to Build a Fire Extinguisher Training Program for Employees](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-build-a-fire-extinguisher-training-program-for-employees) [The Lifecycle of a Fire Extinguisher: From Purchase to Disposal](https://blog.koorsen.com/the-lifecycle-of-a-fire-extinguisher-from-purchase-to-disposal) [How to Read a Fire Extinguisher Label Like a Pro](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-read-a-fire-extinguisher-label-like-a-pro) [The 7 Most Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.koorsen.com/the-7-most-common-fire-extinguisher-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them) [Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Vehicle Fleets and Heavy Equipment](https://blog.koorsen.com/fire-extinguisher-requirements-for-vehicle-fleets-and-heavy-equipment) [![Questions! 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