By Isioma Princess Odiakose
How many homes have fire extinguishers? A handful I guess. Those that have an extinguisher have you taken your time to train your family members on how to use the fire extinguishers? The dry season is here couple with the fuel scarcity the risk of a fire outbreak is very high due to persons storing petroleum products in the house.Fire outbreaks in the past have resulted to loss of lives and properties. Some of these fire outbreaks won’t have resulted to grave damage if they were effectively managed. Thus, is imperative that the populace are enlightened and educated on fire management.
According to the Wikipedia, Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.There are different types of fire and they are classified by the types of fuel they burn .Each of this class of fire cannot be put off with the same type of fire extinguisher. Therefore, it is important to know the different types of fire to ensure that when there is a fire outbreak the appropriate extinguisher will be used to combat it.
Types of fires are:
Class A fires comprises of items such as wood, paper, trash or anything else that leaves an ash. This type of fire can be extinguished with water extinguisher.
Class B fires are fueled by flammable or combustible liquids as the fuel source, which include oil, gasoline, and other similar materials.
Class C fires are fire energized by electricity and electrical equipment.
Class D fires are caused by certain ignitable metals as fuels. Examples of ignitable metals are Magnesium and Titanium.Dry Powder extinguisher will work better by smothering and heat absorption.
Types of fire extinguisher
Water Fire Extinguishers: Is the most widely used fire extinguisher and very suitable for Class A Fire.
Foam Fire Extinguishers: It is more versatile is used for both Classes A & B fires. It is not advisable it should be used for fires fueled by electricity. However; it is more safer than water fire extinguisher.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers can be used on classes A, B & C fires. Best for running liquid fires (Class B). Will efficiently extinguish Class C gas fires, but beware, it can be dangerous to extinguish a gas fire without first isolating the gas supply. special powders are available for class d metal fires.
Carbon dioxide Fire Extinguishers are ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus, and will also extinguish class B liquid fires.
Every home should have a fire extinguisher and every member of the family should be enlightened on how to manage fire outbreak.This will help to ameliorate or curb its spread when it occurs.As you go about buying things to celebrate the festive period do not forget to purchase a fire extinguisher.
Merry xmas in advance.See you all next year!!
