Class C Fires

Class C Fire Extinguisher: What You Need to Know About Flammable Gas Fires

by Classes of Fire

Understanding Class C Fires and How to Protect Against Them

When it comes to fire safety, choosing the right extinguisher for the specific type of fire can make all the difference. One important—but sometimes overlooked—category is fires fuelled by flammable gases, known as Class C fires. These fires involve gases such as propane, methane, and butane, which can ignite quickly and pose serious risks.

In this article, we’ll explain what Class C fires are, why specialised extinguishers are necessary, and how to safely use them.

What Are Class C Fires?

Class C fires occur when flammable gases catch fire. These gases can spread flames rapidly, creating dangerous situations in various settings, including:

  • Industrial environments like chemical plants and gas storage facilities
  • Laboratories where gases are in use
  • Homes that rely on propane or natural gas appliances

Some common flammable gases involved in Class C fires include:

  • Propane (commonly used in grills and heaters)
  • Butane (found in lighters and portable stoves)
  • Methane (the main component of natural gas)
  • Hydrogen (used in manufacturing and fuel cells)
  • Acetylene (used in welding)

Recognising the presence of these gases and understanding their fire hazards is crucial for effective prevention and response.

Which Fire Extinguishers Are Suitable for Class C Fires?

Using the wrong extinguisher on a Class C fire can worsen the situation or even cause explosions. Water or foam-based extinguishers should be avoided entirely. Instead, the following types are recommended:

  • Dry Powder (ABC) Extinguishers: Versatile and widely available, these extinguishers use powders like monoammonium phosphate to tackle Class A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), and electrical fires.
  • Monnex Dry Powder Extinguishers: Designed for high-risk industrial areas, Monnex extinguishers are highly effective on flammable liquids, gases, and electrical fires with a strong BCE rating.
  • Clean Agent Extinguishers: These extinguishers deploy gases such as Halon or FM-200 to suppress fires without leaving residues, making them ideal for sensitive environments like data centres while being effective on Class C fires.

How to Use a Class C Fire Extinguisher Safely

If you encounter a fire involving flammable gases, it’s important—if it can be done safely—to isolate the gas supply first. Without a fuel source, the fire becomes much easier to extinguish, following the principles of the fire triangle.

Once the gas is isolated, use the PASS method to operate the extinguisher:

  1. Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.
  2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames).
  3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
  4. Sweep the nozzle side to side until the fire is fully out.

If the fire is large, spreading quickly, or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Never risk your safety.

Why It’s Important to Have a Class C Fire Extinguisher

Though less common than fires involving solids or liquids, Class C fires can escalate rapidly and cause significant damage. Having a suitable extinguisher nearby, along with the knowledge of how to use it, can prevent a small incident from turning into a disaster.

Final Tips for Class C Fire Preparedness

If your environment involves flammable gases, make sure you:

  • Know which gases are present.
  • Choose extinguishers specifically rated for Class C fires.
  • Regularly maintain and check your extinguishers.
  • Train staff or household members on how to respond effectively.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility—protect your people, property, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class C Fire Extinguishers

Q1: What are Class C fire extinguishers used for?
They are designed to extinguish fires caused by flammable gases like propane, methane, butane, and hydrogen, stopping the chemical reaction without increasing danger.

Q2: Can water or foam extinguishers be used on Class C fires?
No. Water and foam can spread flammable gases or cause dangerous reactions. Use dry powder or clean agent extinguishers instead.

Q3: How do ABC and Monnex extinguishers differ?
ABC dry powder extinguishers are general-purpose for solids, liquids, gases, and electrical fires. Monnex extinguishers are industrial-grade powders with superior effectiveness for flammable liquids, gases, and electrical hazards.

Q4: When do I need a Class C extinguisher?
If you store or work with flammable gases—such as in welding shops, labs, kitchens with gas appliances, or gas storage—you should have a Class C-rated extinguisher nearby.

Q5: How often should I service a Class C extinguisher?
Visually inspect monthly and have a professional service annually. Replace or recharge after use.

Q6: Are clean agent extinguishers good for Class C fires?
Yes, especially in sensitive locations like server rooms where residue from powder extinguishers is undesirable.

different types of fire extinguishers

Types of Fire Extinguishers

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

Introduction

This is a guide into all the different types of fire extinguishers that we offer at Fireology. In this guide we will show you all the different types of fire extinguishers. As well as what are each of their strengths and weaknesses.

It will explain what classes of fire each one of the extinguishers can tackle. Also this will state what extinguisher suits best to each class of fire. This guide shows the benefits of all of these types of extinguishers. As well as why a certain type of extinguisher may be a better fit for you compared to a different type of extinguisher.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

WetCHEM Fire Extinguishers

L2 Powder Fire Extinguishers

MultiCHEM Fire Extinguishers

Monnex Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

M28 Powder Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are the most accessible fire extinguisher. This is likely because of their low price point and their ability to cover the most common type of fire. Water extinguishers are given an A fire rating, meaning they are capable and suited for extinguishing Class A type fires.

Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item fires are defined as Class A fires. This is the most common type of fire as these items are the most combustible and are the most common type of fuel.

Water fire extinguishers do not have the ability to cope with Electrical fires and must not be used on Electrical fires. This type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for areas that’s biggest fire risk is a solid material and therefore Class A fire.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers are a very commonly used type of fire extinguisher. This is because they are a good multi purpose fire extinguisher that can tackle Class A and Class B fires. Foam fire extinguishers are given an AB fire rating, meaning they are capable of extinguishing Class A and B Fires.

Fires labelled Class A are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the likes of: Cleaning fluids, Solvents, Fuels, Inks, Adhesives, Paints. Class B fires only make up for 2% of all fires but make up a massive 21% of all fire deaths.

Class B fires are extremely dangerous, this is why many different types of extinguisher aim to tackle them to try to protect the users. The main key to staying safe from Class B fires is prevention, this is why up to date COSHH assessments are key. The best fire extinguishers to combat Class B fires are Foam and Dry Powder extinguishers.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry Powder fire extinguishers are a very versatile fire extinguisher that is a main staple in a lot of fire safety setups. These fire extinguishers can be used on Class A, Class B, Class C and Electrical fires making them the most versatile fire extinguisher on the market. Dry Powder extinguishers are given an ABC fire rating but can also tackle Electrical fires.

Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, or inks. Class C fires are fires involving gases, this could be natural gas, LPG or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Class C fires can be tackled with fire extinguishers, the best method of stopping these types of fires is shutting off the supply of the gas. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel. But when Electricity is present, Water must not be used. Unlike Foam extinguishers, Dry Powder extinguishers have the ability to be used on ‘running’ flammable liquid fires.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers are perfect for fighting Class B fires and Electrical fires. Its properties allow it not to damage electrical equipment so therefore makes it a great choice for situations where electrical fires are a risk. CO2 extinguishers have a B fire rating but can also combat electrical fires. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, or inks. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel.

CO2 extinguishers are good as they do not leave a harmful residue behind, this is what makes them desirable compared to a lot of the other extinguishers that can fight Class B fires. CO2 extinguishers are also looked at as more environmentally friendly as CO2 is in the air around us anyway so it does not contribute to global warming. 

WetCHEM Fire Extinguishers

WetCHEM fire extinguishers are perfect for kitchens as they are able to fight Class F fires. WetCHEM extinguishers have an AF fire rating making them equipped to fight Class A or F fires. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard or any carbonaceous items. Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. These fires are often found in kitchen environments.

WetCHEM fire extinguishers offer an “easy clean” design making them ideal for kitchens and maintaining hygiene regulations. This type of fire extinguisher works by creating a layer of foam on the burning oil or fat, stopping the supply of oxygen so the fire isn’t fuelled any further. For tiny Class F fires a fire blanket could be used but in most cases a WetCHEM extinguisher would be recommended.

These types of fire can be extremely dangerous and only a small sized fire would be recommended to be fought with one of these extinguishers.

L2 Powder Fire Extinguishers

L2 Powder fire extinguishers are a unique type of fire extinguisher aimed at combating Class D fires. Class D fires are niche so therefore are not covered by the conventional types of fire extinguishers. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium and magnesium.

Where L2 powder extinguishers thrive is that they are equipped to deal with lithium fires. This is what makes them stand out over M28 extinguishers (which can’t deal with lithium fires). Class D fires are very dangerous as if the wrong extinguishing medium is used, it can actually accelerate the fire. This can happen if a chemical or water extinguisher is used. 

MultiCHEM Fire Extinguishers

MultiCHEM fire extinguishers are a great multi class fire extinguisher. They are given an ABF fire rating, this means they are able to combat Class A, B and F fires. This makes them a step above WetCHEM extinguishers and ordinary Foam extinguishers. This is because they can combat an extra type of fire than each. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard or any carbonaceous items. Fires labelled Class B are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as fuels, or inks. Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. This fire is often found in kitchen environments.

The glory of this type of fire extinguisher is how versatile it is and can be. This perhaps could be used as a perfect kitchen/bar fire extinguisher as its abilities are perfect to combat most of the scenarios that could occur.

Monnex Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Monnex dry powder fire extinguishers are one of the most trusted high performance dry chemical powder for high risk firefighting applications. This extinguisher is given a BCE fire rating making it equipped to tackle Class B, Class C and Electrical fires.

Fires labelled Class B fires are involving liquids, these can be any of the such as fuels, or inks. Fires labelled Class C are fires involving gases, this could be natural gas or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel.

It is the preferred choice when tackling fires involving hydrocarbon oils, gasoline, diesel and liquefied natural gas. These extinguishers can be used where those materials are stored and or processed. It’s especially effective against industrial chemicals like alcohol, ketones, ethers and esters. These are materials which conventional dry chemical powders find more difficult to knock down.

The grain of the powder inside of Monnex extinguishers is measured and made sure that when projected from the extinguisher it will ensure maximum projection. This allows the operator to maintain a good distance from the fire.

M28 Powder Fire Extinguishers

M28 powder fire extinguishers are a great option when in a laboratory or a workshop environment. Wherever a potential risk of a fire comes from metals. This fire extinguisher is given a D fire rating, this means it can only be used on Class D fires. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium and magnesium.

Where the M28 loses out in comparison to the L2 Powder extinguisher is that it cannot put out lithium fires. This isn’t important if lithium fires aren’t a risk. If lithium fires aren’t a risk you will benefit from the M28’s lower price point. Class D fires are very dangerous as if the wrong extinguishing medium is used, it can actually accelerate the fire. This can happen if a chemical or water extinguisher is used.