Fires are classified into four general categories depending on the type of material or fuel involved. The type of fire determines the type of extinguisher that should be used to extinguish it;
Class A fires involve materials such as wood, paper, and cloth which produce glowing embers or char;
Class B fires involve flammable gases, liquids, and greases, including gasoline and most hydrocarbon liquids which must be vaporized for combustion to occur;
Class C fires involve fires in live electrical equipment or in materials near electrically powered equipment; and
Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, zirconium, potassium, and sodium.
