You may have not known this but fires come in various classes. And each requires specific techniques to make it go away. Today, we’d like to focus on some of the most commonly occurring fires, often called F-class fires or – kitchen fires. They involve cooking oils and fats. For that very reason, we need a special approach to fight them off – a single mistake can have dire consequences. Due to the specific nature of F-class fires, most extinguishers won’t do a very good job against them. That’s why the first thing we should do is to get the right type. What is it? A wet chemical fire extinguisher.
What’s So Special About It
Unlike other extinguishers, this specialized tool is designed to tackle the intense heat and combustible nature of cooking oils. Its unique composition helps create a cooling effect, suppressing the flames swiftly and forming a barrier to prevent re-ignition, which is extremely important.
How To Use It
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to effectively use it:
- Assess the Situation
Before you have a go at using a fire extinguisher, evaluate how big the fire is and ensure it’s actually safe to do so. If the fire is spreading rapidly or if you notice that conditions are becoming more and more dangerous, you get out of there. This is not the time to play a hero. Prioritize your safety.
- Grab the Extinguisher
If it’s safe, locate the extinguisher in your home or workplace. These extinguishers are typically labelled with a ‘K’ classification, which basically means they’re suitable for kitchen fires involving cooking oils.
- Keep a Safe Distance
Make sure you keep a safe distance from the fire – you need to have a quick getaway plan in case things go sideways. Fire is an unpredictable force and you never truly know what’s going to happen. Ask any firefighter.
- Aim at the Base of the Flames
Direct the nozzle at the very base of the flames. This helps to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply and disrupt the combustion process.
- Squeeze the Handle
Firmly squeeze the handle to discharge the wet chemical agent onto the fire. Maintain control of the extinguisher, sweeping the nozzle from side to side to cover the entire fire area.
- Keep on Looking
Even when you think it’s done, and you’ve managed to take care of all the flames – don’t get too excited. Keep a close eye on the area to ensure there is no residual smouldering or re-ignition. You might have to repeat the whole process until the fire is completely suppressed.
Not a Game
Remember, proper training is crucial for effective firefighting. That’s why there’s no reason to put your life at risk. Your personal safety – and the safety of your loved ones – is the priority, don’t lose your life over things and belongings. Even with a lot of training, it’s hard to make the right call. The best time to effectively put out a fire is obviously in its very early stages, but later on, it gets progressively harder and harder. You have to trust your judgement and ability to spring into action under pressure. Because the truth is – your decisiveness will play a huge factor in this. That’s also why it’s a good idea to get some basic training. This is a kind of knowledge that can save your life.
