Which class of fire involves electrical fires?

Which class of fire involves electrical fires?

• A. Class A - Ordinary combustibles
• B. Class B - Flammable liquids
• C. Class C - Electrical
• D. Class D - Combustible metals

Answer: (C)

Fires are categorized by the energy source and the material burning, which guides the safe way to respond. When the hazard is electricity powering the fire, it belongs to the electrical fires category. This matters because water can conduct electricity and pose a serious shock risk, so you don’t use water on energized electrical fires. Instead, protect yourself and use non-conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide or dry chemical, and shut off the power if you can do so safely. Keep in mind that once the power is off, the actual fire behavior may depend on the fuel involved, but the immediate priority is to address the electrical energy first.

Fires are categorized by the energy source and the material burning, which guides the safe way to respond. When the hazard is electricity powering the fire, it belongs to the electrical fires category. This matters because water can conduct electricity and pose a serious shock risk, so you don’t use water on energized electrical fires. Instead, protect yourself and use non-conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide or dry chemical, and shut off the power if you can do so safely. Keep in mind that once the power is off, the actual fire behavior may depend on the fuel involved, but the immediate priority is to address the electrical energy first.