Not all fires are the same. Depending on the material burning, different firefighting methods are needed. It’s not only about choosing the right extinguishing agents but also approaching the fire with the correct procedure. Using the wrong approach can cause a fire to escalate, while choosing the right method can mean the difference between life and death. With various training objects, you can learn to recognize different types of fires and practice how to handle them effectively. Below is an overview of the four main types of fires, with specific characteristics and the appropriate firefighting methods.
Fire Class A: Solid Combustibles
Solid combustible fires are the most common, and there are many different solids that can burn. Wood is generally used to simulate these fires. A wood fire creates a lot of smoke and odor and can reach high temperatures. Additionally, the burning time of wood is longer than that of gas, which is an important factor in firefighting training scenarios. Solid combustibles can be extinguished with water, foam, or powder, with water being the most common choice in firefighting practices.
Training objects for solid combustibles can be divided into two main groups: elemental and scenario-based training objects. In the elemental training objects, wood fires demonstrate the progression of the fire, helping trainees understand how a fire develops over time. For scenario objects, there is a choice between wood and gas-fired fire sources. When extinguishing with water, it’s challenging to reignite wood fires quickly, which is easier with gas fires. Gas-fired objects offer a realistic view and are easy to operate. Think of scenarios like a kitchen, bed, washing machine, or sofa.
By practicing with these training objects, firefighters can gain hands-on experience that is crucial for real-life firefighting situations. Understanding the characteristics of solid combustible fires can help firefighters react appropriately when they encounter such fires in the field.
Fire Class B: Liquid Fires
Liquid fires are caused by the ignition of released vapors. Different types of flammable liquids each have a different flash point, making knowledge about these flash points vital for effective firefighting. Liquid fires often produce a lot of flames and accompanying smoke, which can create visibility challenges for firefighters. Foam, powder, and CO₂ extinguishers can be used to extinguish liquids, with foam being particularly effective in smothering flames.
You can equip training objects with real liquid fires or simulate them with gas vapor to provide realistic firefighting scenarios. As mentioned, liquid fires can create significant smoke development. An example of a liquid fire training scenario is a storage tank on an industrial site where the flammable contents have ignited and need to be extinguished, or a fuel leak from an aircraft that has caught fire. These are examples of realistic scenario training that require a different approach from extinguishing solid combustible fires.
Proper training in handling liquid fires can significantly reduce the risks associated with firefighting in these situations. Firefighters must be trained to recognize the signs of a liquid fire and apply the appropriate extinguishing methods to effectively combat the flames.
Fire Class C: Gas Fires
Gas fires often create a “jetting” flame due to the pressure at which the gas is transported or stored. These fires typically produce little visible smoke, but the danger they pose is significant. Often, closing the gas valve is the best method for extinguishing a gas fire. Additionally, a powder extinguisher can be effective for this type of fire.
A high-pressure gas fire is often simulated by a jet fire, which is a jetting stream of fire caused by the escaping gas pressure. Most of these fires have an industrial character, and scenarios can include a gas pipeline rupture or various gas conduits with possible flange leaks and fires. Training for gas fires requires a different approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding gas fire behavior in firefighting.
Firefighters must be trained to respond quickly and effectively to gas fires to prevent explosions and further damage. The knowledge gained through specialized training can be crucial in ensuring safety for both the firefighters and the public.
Other Fires, such as LNG
Certain fires, like those involving batteries, hydrogen, and LNG (liquefied natural gas), differ from the “standard” types of fires. Specialized setups can be created to facilitate training for these scenarios. For LNG, the lower and upper explosive limits are close together, so the cloud ignites relatively slowly. For an LNG fire, securing the area and preventing escalation is crucial. The best extinguishing agent for an LNG fire is dry powder, although it is likely that the LNG will have evaporated already.
An LNG fire is simulated by filling a pit with 2,500 liters of liquid gas. The liquid gas has a temperature of -163 degrees Celsius and will immediately evaporate, creating a unique training environment. Evaporation is enhanced when sprayed with water, making it essential for firefighters to understand how to handle such scenarios effectively. For training, a torch is used to find the ignition point within the liquid gas cloud. Once LNG catches fire, the flame “walks” slowly toward the source, and when it reaches it, it burns at 1600 degrees Celsius.
These different types of fires can all be simulated using our existing concepts. Of course, we are always open to developing new training setups based on the latest developments, such as the rise of LNG and the associated training pit.
If you have a project in mind that is not directly reflected in the examples above, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to a new creative challenge!
Follow SAPHIRE-CTC for Updates
To keep abreast of the latest developments regarding different types of fires and effective firefighting techniques and other SAPHIRE-CTC projects, be sure to follow us on our social media channels: Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn. We regularly share insights, project updates, and opportunities for engagement within the emergency response community. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to improve our training solutions and ensure they meet the evolving needs of those who protect and serve.
