Ranchi: The Jharkhand Fire and Emergency Services has issued detailed guidelines to raise public awareness about fire safety and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers. Fires are classified into three main categories—Class A, B, and C—each requiring a specific type of extinguisher.
For Class A fires, which involve solid materials like paper, wood, and fabric, water CO₂ extinguishers are recommended. These are commonly used in places such as offices, hospitals, theaters, and banks. However, officials caution that these extinguishers should never be used on electrical equipment.
For Class B fires caused by flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, and paint, mechanical foam (AFFF) extinguishers are effective. These work by covering the surface and cutting off the oxygen supply, making them suitable for use in petrol pumps and paint factories. Like water-based extinguishers, they are also not suitable for electrical fires.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers are suitable for both Class B and C fires. These are ideal for use on electrical equipment and in areas such as motor rooms and printing presses. Proper ventilation is necessary when using CO₂ extinguishers.
For fires involving gas and electrical sources—also categorized under Class B and C—dry chemical powder (DCP) extinguishers are highly effective. These extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction that sustains the fire.
ABC powder extinguishers offer a versatile solution, being effective on all three classes of fire—A, B, and C. They are suitable for use in homes, shops, and server rooms, covering fires caused by solids, liquids, and gases.
The Director General-cum-Inspector General of Jharkhand’s Home Guard and Fire Services has appealed to citizens to remain calm in case of a fire emergency and use the appropriate extinguisher for the situation. People are also advised to be aware of emergency exits in public spaces and to avoid crowded areas during such incidents.