hollyking | Jan. 28th, 2004

So today was the second session of the CERT class I've been taking. If you aren't up to snuff, check out my earlier entry. Today we learned about fighting fires. Here's a quick quiz for you.

How are fire extinguishers rated?
How many different ratings exist?
What do the different ratings cover?

Ok, here are your answers.

Fire extinguishers are rated according to the type of fires they are designed to extinguish.
There are four ratings for extinguishers sold to the public. Of course, your fire department has a lot more types at their disposal. The types are A, B, C and D
The types of fires they fight are:
- A - Ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper.
- B - Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, grease and oil.
- C - Used on electrically energized fires, such as electrical equipment.
- D - Designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type metal in question.

Most of the class time was used explaining when not to fight a fire. It is far to easy for a simple looking fire to turn and become deadly. During a disaster you can't depend on the normal support of the professional fire fighters. Most of the time we will just have to let things burn and try to minimize injury by clearing people out of the area. We spent some time covering they types of fires that could be handled, how fires burn and what techniques can be used to extinguish a fire.

Finally, the fun part. Of course, being January in Oregon we had a (un) healthy dose of cold rain to keep us motivated during the on-hands training section. We went out back of the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue's Regional Training & Simulation Center where our trainers lit a few props and we practiced putting out the fires. I was able to use both a dry chemical extinguisher and a carbon dioxide extenguisher. I put out a car fire, a ground fire and a fire in an electrical junction box. Yay me!

Next week we have the first of two classes on disaster first aid. Luckily that one is all indoors so I don't have to bundle up so much and won't come home soaking wet and covered with smoke and residue. I'm sure hollyqueen will like that.