Understanding the Six Important Classes of Fire Damage

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire is a devastating force of nature that both residential and commercial property owners face. Falling asleep with a lit cigarette or a kitchen fire incident can cause a home or business to sustain severe damage. If you are looking to learn more about the different classes of fire damage that plague households and businesses in the United States, you are at the right place. 

Understanding the Different Classes of Fire Damage

• Class A: Fires involving cloth, wood, rubber, paper, plastics, and other flammable solids.
• Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids and/or solids that can become liquefied. For example, paint, plastics, wax, oil and petrol. Fires caused by fats and cooking oils, however, are excluded from this class.
• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as natural gas, butane, propane, and hydrogen.
• Class D: Fires caused by combustible metals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
• Class E: In addition to factors from Classes A and B, Class E fire damage also involves electrical elements.
• Class F: Fires that occur while cooking fats and oils. Class F fire damage, however, is significantly hotter than those found in Class B and can cause severe damage to one's property.

What are the Most Common Types of Fire Damage?

Now that you are familiar with the various classes of fire damage, it is useful to note the different types and causes of fires in the country as well. 

• Faulty heater fires

To keep warm during winter, homeowners typically utilize portable heaters. Some heater units, however, may become the catalyst of a fire, especially during the months of January, February, and December. That's why it is important to purchase heaters that come with automatic shutoff features. In addition, owners should keep these heaters at least three feet away from any flammable or combustible source. 

• Kitchen fires

Grease fires are one of the most common types of kitchen fires. A fire may occur if an individual accidentally leaves a frying pan unattended. Oftentimes, these fires can cause major property damage and serious bodily harm. To avoid appliance fires and oven fires, one should always keep the kitchen clean, never leave cooking food unattended, and unplug appliances when not in use.

• Smoking-related fires

Cigarettes account for thousands of fire-related deaths in the United States per year. Unfortunately, smokers are not always the ones who lose their lives. That’s why smokers must be cautious and ensure that their cigarettes are completely extinguished prior to disposal. It is recommended that one smokes outside the house if drowsy, inebriated, or exhausted. In addition, smokers should use fire-resistant bins and ashtrays whenever necessary.

• Electrical fires

Worn out breaker boxes, improper use of electrical outlets, faulty electrical wiring, lightning, and faulty appliances are some of the known causes of electrical fires. Older homes are at a greater risk because of faulty or worn wiring, which may cause shorts and sparks that ignite nearby combustibles. 

It truly pays to be a well-prepared citizen or business owner as fire damage is often devastating. If you or a loved one was a fire victim, consider contacting a trusted restoration company. At SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, we have fire restoration specialists who can restore your home or business to pre-fire condition. Our company is committed to providing superior 24-hour emergency services. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today.