Fireproof your home - all you must know about fire and fire extinguishers

In this article, youll learn more about fire, fire extinguishers, their types, usage, and prices. Fireproofing your home is possible.

Lets get started!

1. What are the four stages of fire?

When there is a fire outbreak, it progresses in stages, and you need to familiarize yourself with them. The four stages include incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay.

The incipient stage is also known as the ignition stage. A tiny fire characterizes it, and typically your best time at fire suppression or escape, you decide.

After the fire has been ignited, it progresses to the growth stage. Here, the fire spreads rapidly using the available oxygen as fuel. The presence of combustibles also intensifies the fire.

Next is the fully developed stage. Also known as the climax stage of the fire. It is the hottest and most dangerous stage of a fire outbreak. The flames are intense and equally generate significant smoke and heat. At this point, the fire has exhausted most of the available fuel or oxygen.

A drastic decrease in oxygen supply marks the last stage, the decay stage. Here, the fire starts to diminish its intensity. However, this stage is fragile because fire can resurface again if not well extinguished before oxygen is reintroduced.

2. What are the five classes of fire?

Fire is generally classified into five classes. Class A, B, C, D, and K. Understanding the type of fire will enable you to tackle it effectively.

2.1 Class A fires

Class A fire is the most common type of fire. It involves combustible materials such as wood, paper, plastics, fabric, etc. It can be dangerous with sufficient fuel. Always put out this type of fire with the appropriate extinguisher before harm.

2.2 Class B fires

Class B fire is more hazardous than class A. It involves flammable liquids or gases like propane, gasoline, butane, or alcohol. This class of fire spreads rapidly; the best way to combat them is by using a (CO2) fire extinguisher or foam fire extinguisher.

2.3 Class C fires

Common in facilities where electrical equipment is used, such as electrical panels, appliances, and wiring. Buildings with poor wiring are also susceptible to this kind of fire outbreak. Class C fire is more hazardous because it leads to electric shock. You should keep water far from this outbreak because it will only lead to more hazards.

2.4 Class D fires

Class D fire is typically expected in laboratories and specific industries. It involves combustible metals like titanium, potassium, aluminum, lithium, and sodium. They require a special kind of fire extinguisher which can expel metal fire.

2.5 Class K fires

Class k fire is like class B but involves flammable cooking liquids like oils, greases, and fats. It is an outbreak typical of commercial kitchen restaurants. It is mainly ignited from an uncontrolled oil spill or from overheating. The Class K fire requires a wet chemical fire extinguisher to suppress it.

3. Types of fire extinguishers

Different categories of fire extinguishers exist to quench specific kinds of fire. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can cause more harm than good and result in fatal cases.

3.1 Water extinguisher

The water extinguisher is filled with water and is suitable for only the class A type of fire. That is, combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, etc., and the water extinguisher rapidly reduces the temperature of the fire. Still, they should never be used for other classes of fire, especially flammable or electrical fires.

3.2 Foam extinguisher

The foam extinguisher contains a foaming agent that can cool the fire, obstruct oxygen spread, and prevent reignition. The foam extinguisher is suitable for class A and B fires, that is, ordinary combustible materials and flammable liquids like gasoline and oil.

3.3 Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher

This extinguisher uses carbon dioxide to obstruct the oxygen, depriving the fire of its fuel and preventing it from spreading further. They are appropriate for Class B and C, flammable liquids, and electrical fire. It also cools the fire because of the cold nature of carbon dioxide.

3.4 Dry chemical extinguisher

The dry chemical extinguisher is the ABC extinguisher because it’s suitable for those classes of fire. They contain a chemical powder such as sodium bicarbonate or mono ammonium phosphate which interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and suppresses it. The dry chemical extinguisher is a must-have fire extinguisher in your home.

3.5 Wet chemical extinguisher

The wet chemical extinguisher, cooking oil and fat, is designed for Class K fire. They are commonly found in commercial kitchens. A wet chemical fire extinguisher uses potassium as a chemical element. Potassium salts are produced as a fine mist, and when sprayed out, it generates a soapy film on the fires surface. You can equally use the wet chemical extinguisher for Class A fire, but strictly designed for Class K.

4. How to use a fire extinguisher

Using a fire extinguisher safely can combat fire and hinder it from spreading and destroying lives and properties. There are four steps to using a fire extinguisher properly. It is called PASS: Pass, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

However, using the appropriate fire extinguisher according to the fire type is more critical. The wrong one will expose you to danger.

• Pull the safety pin located at the handle of the fire extinguisher.
•  Aim at the base of the fire. Point the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire, leaving 6-10 feet. between you and the fire. Don’t attempt to aim at the top of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever. Firmly grip the extinguisher and squeeze the lever or handle to release the content.
• While aiming for the fires base, swiftly sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side. Continue to sweep until the fire is extinguished. Keep a close eye on the area in case of a reignition.

You must practice and familiarize yourself with a fire extinguisher to be prepared before the need arises.

5. Prices of fire extinguishers in Nigeria

When purchasing a fire extinguisher in Nigeria, several prices are available in the market. It depends on the brand and the size of the extinguisher.

At Daibau Group, we can access the best brands depending on your budget. We have contractors that deals with various brands of fire extinguishers. Reach out to us. However, these are some of the estimated prices in the Nigerian market today.

• 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher- NGN20,000- NGN25,000
• 3kg CO2 fire extinguisher- NGN22,000- NGN33,000
• 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher- NGN25,000- NGN40,000
• 6kg Dry powder fire extinguisher- NGN13,000- NGN35,000
• 9kg Dry powder fire extinguisher- NGN25,000- NGN37,000
• 9-liter Foam extinguisher- NGN35,500- NGN40,000
• 9-liter Water fire extinguisher- NGN35,000- NGN45,000.

6. Final words

Now, you have all the information you need to fireproof your home. However, you can do little during a significant outbreak, and the fire has grown to the fully developed stage.

Even with a fire extinguisher, know when to fight or flee. A fire extinguisher is designed to handle minor fires; contact professional firefighters for significant outbreaks.

At Daibau Group, we help you protect your home from fire hazards and every other need. Weve worked with many clients both in Nigeria and abroad.

Our experts are nationwide. Contact us by using the link below for fire safety plans for your homes.

https://www.daibau.ng/cost/fire_safety_plans