What is the difference between Class A and Class B fires?

Class A fires are characterized by the involvement of ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics, which typically burn in a solid state. These materials are common in many environments, including homes and offices, and they have specific methods of extinguishment, often involving water or foam.

Class B fires, on the other hand, involve flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. These types of fires require particular extinguishing agents such as foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to effectively suppress them, as using water on flammable liquid fires can spread the fire and worsen the situation.

Understanding this distinction is critical for fire control workers, as it informs which firefighting techniques and equipment should be used to safely and effectively manage different types of fires. The classifications help ensure that personnel are well-prepared for a variety of fire scenarios they may encounter.