What does a class "E" fire usually involve?

A class "E" fire refers specifically to fires involving energized electrical equipment. When dealing with such fires, it is crucial to use the appropriate extinguishing agents because using water or non-specific fire extinguishers can pose a significant risk of electrical shock and further danger.

In general, fire classifications are designed to help individuals identify the nature of the fire so that they can take the appropriate action to extinguish it safely. The other classifications and their appropriate responses highlight the different types of materials that may ignite and how they should be handled:

• Fires caused by flammable liquids are classified as class "B" fires and are typically extinguished by smothering methods.

• Class "A" includes ordinary combustibles like wood and paper and is extinguished with water or other suitable agents.

• Classes involving specific metals that burn at high temperatures, which may include metals that contain their own oxygen, are classified differently and require specialized techniques to extinguish.

Understanding these classifications is essential for ensuring safety and effective firefighting response.