Type A fires are more common than you think, from your kitchen to your office. Are you prepared?

When we think about fires, we usually imagine flames that ignite and spread quickly, causing damage. This fits the “Type A” fire description. 

Whether a paper towel near a stove or a pile of clothes on the corner, type A fires can start unexpectedly, anywhere.

In this blog, we will learn about the common characteristics of type a fire and necessary preventive measures.

What Are The Common Characteristics Of A Type A Fire?

Type A fire is caused by solid, organic substances in residential and industrial settings, and the following characteristics are associated with it.

Fuel Source

The primary characteristic of type A fire is that it feeds on solid combustibles. It will erupt through organic and carbon-based materials like wood, paper, textiles, and certain types of plastics, which can be commonly found in homes, offices, and other buildings. 

Moreover, when these materials burn, they produce visible flames accompanied by heat and smoke.

Burning Behavior

A type of fire usually burns with a steady flame, producing heat, smoke, and ash. However, the fire may vary in size depending on the material quantity involved. Moreover, it slowly consumes the flammable material by breaking it down. 

As it slowly burns down while consuming the source, the by-product produced is the ashes. As long as there is oxygen around the flames, the fire will continue to spread to other nearby objects, and it can be suppressed by using the correct A-type fire extinguisher.

Common Causes of A Type Fires

Several reasons could lead to type A fires that are usually linked to the careless behavior of humans and the way they use combustible items. Let’s get to know about it in detail:

Ignition Sources

There is always an ignition source that starts a fire. Let’s see what are the familiar ignition sources:

1. Open Flames

One of the most common fire ignition sources is open flames, usually from candles, matches, or fireplaces. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2018 to 2022, candles caused 4% of home fires, leading to 3% fire deaths and 6% injuries. 

This means that objects with open flames must be placed far from combustible materials and not unattended. It can take only a minute for a flame to cause fire if it comes in contact with textiles, wood, or paper.

2. Electrical Faults

Electrical wires sometimes come in contact with combustible materials, which will catch fire immediately in case of a short circuit. 

To avoid fires, overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and malfunctioning equipment should be fixed immediately, and combustible materials must be kept away from them. 

3. Heat Sources

When devices like space heaters or irons come into contact with flammable materials, the result can be A-type fires. Although the heat sources do not cause an immediate fire eruption, their prolonged exposure can lead to massive fires.

For instance, you may have left the iron on your shirt and forgotten about it. After a while, the heat will burn the shirt, leading to fire, which, since fabric is a combustible material, will spread furiously.

Human Factors

Human actions play a significant role in causing fires. Below are a few instances of fires involving human factors.

1. Smoking

Although smoke-related fires only happen 2% of the time, they are the leading cause of death. Discarded cigarettes are one of the most common causes of type A fire if the cigarette is left on materials like fabric, upholstery, or paper.

2. Cooking Accidents

Cooking accidents are a lot more common than you think. In unattended cooking, from grease to a piece of towel, everything will be set on fire, and once it has started, it spreads very quickly, causing significant damage.

3. Improper Storage

There’s always a correct way to store flammable materials. However, if they are not carefully stored or placed near fire-causing sources, they can easily be ignited, causing fires. 

Thus, all combustible materials must be placed in a safe, calm, and dry place to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Environmental Factors

Environmental or natural factors are also a leading cause of type A fires.

1. Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes caused almost two-thirds of wildfires in the USA in 2024. During storms, lightning strikes can set trees, buildings, and surrounding organic materials on fire. 

However, lightning is not a direct cause of type A fires, but it can easily ignite wood or other natural materials, leading to widespread fires.

2. Spontaneous Combustion

Sometimes, spontaneous combustion can occur when oil-soaked rags are left in a pile. For example, you have just cleaned equipment using a rag soaked in linseed oil and threw it in a pile without paying much attention.

Now, the oil rags react with oxygen in the area, generating heat, especially when they are stacked with other rags. This leads to heat buildup until it is ignited, causing a type A fire. 

What Safety Precautions Should be Taken When Dealing with a Type A Fire?

As you might have heard, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, you must consider all the preventive measures to avoid or lessen the risks of type A fire.

Prevention

1. Store Combustibles Safely

To avoid type A fires, store things like wood, paper, and fabric away from heat sources, stoves, heaters, or any other open-flame object. This habit can go a long way in preventing fire incidents.

2. Maintain Electrical Systems

Electrical equipment is one of the leading causes of fire, so it needs to be checked regularly. If you spot any issues, call a certified electrician to fix them before they become a source of a bigger problem. Moreover, remember not to overload circuits, as overheating can cause sparks that can cause fire.

3. Keep Stovetops Clear

When cooking, always keep flammable items like dishcloths or paper towels far from the stovetops, as they can catch fire quickly if they get too close to the heat. It is recommended to keep each flammable item within arm’s reach but not within the reach of the flame.

4. Clean Cooking Surfaces

Clean your stoves, grills, and ovens regularly, as grease buildup is a standard fire starter. A little effort in cleaning can prevent dangerous situations later.

Detection and Warning

1. Install Smoke Alarms

Make sure smoke alarms are installed in bedrooms, kitchens, and on every floor of your home or office. Smoke alarms are one of the easiest and most effective ways to catch a fire early and warn everyone in the house.

2. Test Regularly

Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working correctly, and don’t forget to replace the batteries yearly. If an alarm is faulty or not working, swap it immediately to ensure safety.

3. Know Your Fire Systems

Get to know your home’s fire alarm system and evacuation routes. Knowing how to get out quickly in case of a fire and where to meet up outside is crucial. 

It is essential to be prepared to respond to a fire emergency by getting the proper fire training to ensure your safety and that of those around you. Coggno provides the best fire safety training so that you can stay safe.

Using The Right Fire Extinguisher

Knowing the correct fire extinguisher type is key when dealing with type A fire. Here’s what you can get:

Water Based

A water-based extinguisher labeled red is made explicitly for type A fires, as it helps cool down the flames and quickly put them out.

Foam

Foam-based extinguishers work great on flammable solids and liquids. Thus, they can be used for both type A and Type B fires and are labeled with a cream color.

Dry Chemical

Blue-labeled dry powder extinguishers are ideal for putting out type A, B, and C fires.

Check The Label

Before using your fire extinguisher, check the label to ensure that it is the right one to put off a type of fire. 

You will usually see a class A symbol, colored label, or something mentioning that it suits combustible materials. Knowing this beforehand can save you in an emergency.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be overwhelmed when dealing with these types of fires, yet a little precaution and preparation go a long way. 

Properly storing combustibles, checking electrical systems, and using the correct extinguisher are the keys to saving yourself from a fire.

If you really want to be fully prepared, enroll in a fire safety training program by Coggno. It’s a game-changer. So don’t wait for an emergency to catch you off guard; train yourself now!