Debate over fire classes

Ok, so I'm a scout, and one of my scout friends decides to quiz people on fire classes and substances to put them out. So, all goes well until we get to class D- metals. He tells me that one should use CO to extinguish this (after I said dry powder, such as graphite powder). And the fifth class, he says is class E, nuclear fires, though I've heard all over town that the fifth class is Class K- Kitchen fires, caused by cooking oils and fats (a sub- category of B).

My question is... Was I right? I've gone to wikipedia, downloaded a pdf packet from a fire department explainging the types of fire, looked in the manuals and the merit badge booklets. And they do definitely say "dry powder" under Class D. And the ones that do mention a fifth class (the pamphlet and wikipedia) say the fifth class is class K.

Yes, I go to great lengths to prove I'm right. You have to admire the dedication!

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Permalink Reply by Michael David White on June 15, 2011 at 8:14am

The problem with class D is that different extinguishing agents are needed for different metals. Not always true but sometimes. It's an internal reaction so it's kinda weird to contain. From what I was told at fire training anyway.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on June 15, 2011 at 10:22am

Katie, This may come as no surprise to you, but the guy who was emphatic about CO extinguishers just may be a victim of carbon monoxide exposure. Most firefighters have a basic understanding that CO does not put fires out, it kills people. You may have to refresh his memory to help him recall where Carbon Monoxide come from and the effects...

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CO poisoning is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to illnesses such as the flu or the start of a cold. Early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

headache
dizziness
nausea
fatigue

If exposure to carbon monoxide continues, symptoms will often become worse and include severe headaches, mental confusion, vomiting, vision and hearing impairment and eventually unconsciousness. When CO poisoning reaches this stage, CO can cause memory loss, permanent brain damage, coma and eventually death.

Note: Have you considered CO as being a factor in regard to your co-worker getting his facts mixed up? e.g. CO vs CO2... Maybe he needs to check his appliances where he lives?

Progressive Symptoms of CO Poising - Time VS. Concentration

The health effects related to CO depend upon its concentration in the air and the duration of exposure. The amount of carbon monoxide in the air is measured in parts per million (ppm).

Some examples of the effect of a specific level of carbon monoxide over time are as follows:

• at 400 ppm for 1 hour, most adults will have minimal symptoms
• at 400 ppm for 2 hours, most adults will feel a slight headache, be drowsy and begin vomiting
• at 400 ppm for 4 hours, for most adults death is certain

Progressive CO Poisoning Symptoms - Time vs. Exposure

Final Thoughts...

There is a big difference between a CO2 extinguisher and CO...

CBz

PS... As one of the folks who authored both the Uniform Fire Code Article 80 (hazmat section) and the California State Hazardous Materials Technician and Specialist training programs, and as a certified WMD Specialist, I have never heard of Class K nuclear fires.

Debate over fire classes

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