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In the UK, fires are classified into six distinct categories to determine the most effective extinguishing method: Class A fires involve solid combustibles like wood and paper, best tackled with water or foam; Class B fires are fuelled by flammable liquids such as petrol, requiring foam, CO2, or dry powder; Class C fires involve flammable gases like propane, ideally managed with dry powder after the gas supply is cut; Class D fires are rare metal fires needing specialised dry powder; Class E addresses fires involving electrical equipment, for which CO2 or dry powder are suitable; and Class F pertains specifically to cooking oils and fats, which are safely extinguished with a wet chemical extinguisher.
Skip to:
Fire classifications
The six classes of fire
Fire extinguisher colour codes in the UK
UK fire statistics
The aftermath of a fire
Conclusion
FAQs
Fires are dangerous, but did you know that not all fires are the same? In the UK, fires are classified into six different categories based on the fuel that is burning. Understanding these classifications is crucial for choosing the right method to extinguish a fire safely and effectively.
Using the wrong fire extinguisher can make a fire worse and even cause explosions or electrical shocks. That’s why fire safety training and knowledge of fire classification are essential, whether at home, in the workplace, or in industrial settings.
Let’s break down the six different classes of fire and how they should be managed.
Class A fires involve common combustible materials such as:
How to extinguish Class A fires:
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as:
How to extinguish Class B fires:
Class C fires are fuelled by flammable gases such as:
How to extinguish Class C fires:
The first step is to shut off the gas supply to stop the fire at its source.
Class D fires involve flammable metals, including:
How to extinguish Class D fires:
Although technically not a separate category, electrical fires are commonly referred to as Class E. They involve:
How to extinguish electrical fires:
Class F fires are typically found in kitchens and involve:
How to extinguish Class F fires:
| Extinguisher Type | Label Colour | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Red | Class A fires |
| Foam | Green | Class A & B fires |
| CO2 | Black | Class B & electrical fires |
| Dry Powder | Blue | Class A, B, C, D & electrical fires |
| Wet Chemical | Yellow | Class A & F fires |
Each type of fire extinguisher is colour-coded to ensure it is used correctly in an emergency. Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous, so it’s essential to train employees and family members on fire safety procedures. The UK uses the following fire extinguisher colour codes:
Understanding the risks of fire is crucial in highlighting the importance of fire classification and extinguisher usage. According to UK Government statistics:
These statistics highlight the importance of fire prevention, classification, and proper fire extinguisher use.
Even after a fire is extinguished, the damage left behind can be significant. Soot, smoke damage, and the lingering smell of fire can make a property unsafe. Quick action is essential to prevent further structural and health risks.
At Ideal Response, we specialise in fire damage clean-up, ensuring:
Understanding fire classification and the correct extinguisher to use can save lives and property. Whether in a home, office, or industrial setting, being prepared for a fire emergency is crucial.
If you need professional fire damage clean-up or advice on fire safety, get in touch with us today. We can help restore your property efficiently and safely.
Chris Hedges is Head of Marketing at Ideal Response and the author of every article published on this site. With over 25 years of senior marketing experience across property, legal, and professional services sectors, Chris brings a clear, evidence-led approach to writing about fire damage, flood restoration, and specialist property remediation. His philosophy is simple: cut through the noise, respect the reader's time, and give people the information they actually need.
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