Fires are categorized into five basic classes, which determine how it burns in the best way to suppress them. The five basic classes of fire include:

Class A: Ordinary solid combustible materials such as paper, wood, fabric, cloth, and some types of plastics.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as oil, gas, grease, ether, or alcohol. These types of fires are best put out by smothering.

Class C: Electrical equipment, appliances, and wiring. Do not use water on these types of fires. Using a non-conductive extinguishing agent prevents injury from electrical shock.

Class D: Metallic flammable substances such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and zirconium. Dry powder agents are best to smother these flames. Do not use water on Class D fires.

Class K: Grease or oil fires that are caused specifically by cooking. These are some of the most dangerous types of fires, and water can make it even worse. Using a wet agent or smothering the flames is most effective.

It is important to have the right type of fire extinguishers on hand and in the proper locations to put out potential fires successfully.