Fire Safety Guide · Lebanon / Middle East
The ABC of Fire Fighting Explained (and Why It Matters for Safety Equipment)
Understanding fire Classes A, B, C (and the less-talked-about D & K) helps you choose the right extinguisher, respond confidently with the PASS method, and keep people safe at home and at work in Lebanon.
What does “ABC” mean in fire fighting?
“ABC” refers to the three most common classes of fire. Identifying the class quickly lets you choose the right extinguisher and technique—using the wrong agent can make the fire worse or create serious hazards.
Your extinguishers, signage, and training should map to the fire risks in your site. A one-size-fits-all cabinet filled with random units is risky and non-compliant.
Fire classes: A, B, C (plus D & K)
| Class | What’s burning | Typical places | Do use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, textiles, cardboard | Offices, schools, warehouses, homes | Water, Foam, ABC Dry Powder | CO₂ alone (limited effect on deep-seated Class A) |
| B | Flammable liquids: petrol, diesel, solvents, paints | Workshops, fuel stores, parking garages, labs | Foam, CO₂, Dry Powder | Water jet (can spread the fuel) |
| C | Flammable gases: propane, butane, methane | Industrial plants, kitchens (bottled gas), HVAC rooms | Dry Powder (shuts down flame); isolate gas supply | Water/foam before gas isolation |
| D | Combustible metals: magnesium, sodium, lithium | Metal workshops, battery lines, aerospace | Special Class D powders (e.g., sodium chloride) | Water/foam/CO₂ (can react violently) |
| K (F) | Cooking oils/fats (high-temperature) | Commercial kitchens, catering lines | Wet Chemical (saponification, cools & blankets) | Water (explosive splatter), CO₂ alone (re-ignite) |
In Europe you may see Class “F” for cooking oils; in North America this is “K”. Both refer to hot oil/fat fires.
Match the extinguisher to the fire
Water / Water Mist
- Best for Class A.
- Do not use on live electrical or oil fires.
Foam (AFFF)
- Effective on Class B (forms a blanket) and some A.
- Not for energized electrical equipment.
CO₂
- Great for electrical panels/servers and some B.
- No post-cooling; re-ignition risk on A. Use in ventilated areas.
Dry Powder (ABC / BC)
- Versatile for A, B, C; disrupts the chemical chain.
- Messy; can impair visibility. Avoid near sensitive equipment.
Wet Chemical
- Designed for Class K/F deep-fat fryers.
- Creates a soap-like barrier (saponification) and cools.
Class D Agents
- Special powders for combustible metals (D).
- Always consult your risk assessment and SDS.
How to use an extinguisher safely: PASS
Only fight a fire if it’s small/contained, you have the right extinguisher, a clear escape route, and the alarm has been raised.
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep side to side.
Stand ~2–3 meters away; move closer as the fire diminishes. If it grows or you feel unsafe: evacuate immediately.
Protect life before property. Evacuate first, then fight only if safe. See our article: The Golden Rule of Fire Fighting.
Readiness in Lebanon: placement, checks, training
Placement
- Mount units on escape routes and near likely hazards (kitchens, panels, workshops).
- Ensure clear signage and access (no obstructions).
Inspection
- Monthly visual checks (pressure gauge, pin, hose, damage).
- Annual servicing by certified technicians; keep records.
Training
- Induction & periodic refreshers; hands-on PASS practice.
- Tailor content to site risks (Class K in kitchens, D in workshops, etc.).
Compliance
- Align with relevant standards (e.g., EN/BS/IEC/ISO) and your AHJ.
- Maintain logbooks; update after layout or process changes.
FAQ
Is an ABC extinguisher enough for my office?
Often yes for general risks (A, B, C), but review special hazards (servers, kitchens, lithium, fuel) that may require CO₂, Wet Chemical, or Class D agents.
Can I use water on an electrical fire?
No. De-energize first and use appropriate agents (CO₂, dry powder). Water can conduct and cause shock.
How many extinguishers do I need?
It depends on floor area, occupancy, and hazards. A site-specific risk assessment will size and place units correctly.
Get the right extinguishers for your site
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