What is a class C fire?

• A. A fire involving live electrical equipment such as wires, electrical panels and sockets...
• B. A fire caused by cooking oil.
• C. A fire caused by chemical agents.
• D. A fire involving hydrogen.

Answer: (A)

Fires are grouped to guide how to extinguish them safely. A class C fire means the fire is in energized electrical equipment such as live wires, electrical panels, or sockets. The crucial point is that electricity is involved, so water is dangerous because it conducts electricity. If possible and safe, switch off the power and then use a non-conductive extinguishing agent like carbon dioxide or a dry chemical powder. Fires from cooking oil are grease fires and fall under a different category, requiring appropriate extinguishers for fats and oils. Fires caused by chemical agents or by hydrogen involve different hazards and extinguishing methods, not electrical equipment. So the best match for a class C fire is a fire involving live electrical equipment.