Fire control

rdf:langString Fire control

rdf:langString Fire control is the practice of reducing the heat output of a fire, reducing the area over which the fire exists, or suppressing or extinguishing the fire by depriving it of fuel, oxygen, or heat (see fire triangle). Fire prevention and control is the prevention, detection, and extinguishment of fires, including such secondary activities as research into the causes of fire, education of the public about fire hazards, and the maintenance and improvement of fire-fighting equipment. The three main components of a fire are fuel, heat and oxygen; without any one of the three, the fire cannot survive. In the United States, fire are classified as Class-A fires, Class-B fires, Class-C fires, Class-D fires, and Class-K fires, but different classifications may exist in other countries. Each class is a specific type of fire that requires a specific control method based on its cause. Understanding the cause is essential so that the correct fire extinguisher is used; if the wrong extinguisher is used, it can either make the fire worse or not control it. For example, using a type A, B, C fire extinguisher on a chemical fire will do the opposite of what the extinguisher is supposed to do and can cause an explosion. The different types of fire extinguishers include CO2 fire extinguishers, type A, B, or C carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and water-based fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide is released from CO2 extinguishers to smother the fire and prevent the fire from getting oxygen, which will suppress the fire. Class A extinguishers are meant to be used on fires that have wood, paper, and plastic, Class B fire extinguishers are meant be used on liquid fires such as oils, gasoline, kerosene, and paint, and Class C fire extinguishers are to be used on electrical equipment. When using a fire extinguisher, it is crucial to understand how the extinguisher works and where to point it. P.A.S.S. is an acronym (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Shoot) to help remember how to use the extinguisher.