Firefighting Summary Flashcards
What is fire?
Fire is the chemical reaction that occurs when a material unites with oxygen so rapidly that it produces heat and light energy in the form of flame.
What are the four elements of the fire tetrahedron?
- Oxygen
- Fuel
- Heat
- Chemical chain reaction
What happens when any one element of the fire tetrahedron is removed?
It can prevent or extinguish a fire.
What are the classifications of fires based on fuel?
- Class A - wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics
- Class B - flammable liquids such as greases, gasoline, and lubricating oils
- Class C - live electrical equipment
- Class D - combustible metals, such as magnesium
- Class K - cooking oils
What type of fire extinguisher is used for Class A fires?
Type A - Water extinguishers
What is a Type ABC fire extinguisher used for?
Multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers effective for Class A, B, and C fires.
What type of fire extinguisher is best for flammable liquids?
Type BC - Dry chemical extinguishers or Type BC - Carbon dioxide extinguishers
What are the standard firefighting equipment used in firefighting?
A fire hose and nozzle.
How does foam work in firefighting?
By converting heat to steam and cutting off fuel from oxygen.
What type of foam is effective for Class A and B fires?
AFFF or low expansion foams.
What is the best use for high expansion foam?
It works best on three-dimensional fires and spaces where direct access to the fire is difficult.
