Fire Safety and Firefighting Basics
This domain tests how fires start, how they are classified, which extinguisher is safe, and how to evacuate. Questions often use a small scenario such as a kitchen or electrical fire.
The fire triangle and classes
Fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen; removing any one stops combustion. Classes are A (solid materials such as wood and paper), B (flammable liquids), C (flammable gases), D (reactive metals) and electrical fires, which are treated separately because water conducts electricity.
Extinguisher choice
- Water: Class A only; never on electrical or oil fires.
- Foam: flammable liquids; not on live electrical equipment.
- Carbon dioxide: electrical and flammable liquid fires; leaves no residue.
- Dry powder ABC: general-purpose choice for A, B and C fires. Use PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
Evacuation
Raise the alarm, call the fire service, use stairs and not lifts, stay low under smoke, close doors behind you, and go to the assembly point for a head count. If clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll.
Worked example
A pan of cooking oil catches fire. The correct action is to turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid or fire blanket. Water is wrong because it can spread burning oil violently.
Traps
Do not use water on electrical panels or grease. Do not open a hot door without checking it. Do not re-enter a building for belongings. An extinguisher is for small, early fires only; a spreading fire needs evacuation and the fire service.
Prevention
Keep exits clear, store flammables safely, avoid overloading sockets and test alarms and extinguishers regularly.