4.4 Classification of fires, extinguishing media, and portable fire-fighting equipment Assessment criteria: 4.1-4.6: Outline the principles for fire protection, detection, and prevention. Classification of fires and relevance when choosing fire-fighting media Unfortunately, there is not a universal fire-extinguishing agent and therefore there is a possibility that using types of fire extinguishers on ignited materials or liquids may make the fire considerably worse. Fires have been divided into broad classifications for extinguishing purposes. This will assist in selecting the most effective fire-extinguishing agent to be used, on the most appropriate type of fire and burning material.
Extinguishing media Water
Water is the most efficient, cheapest, and most readily available medium for extinguishing fires of a general nature. It is used by fire brigades for the majority of first-line attacks. It should only be used on Class A Fires and works by cooling the material that is burning.
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