Class C fires primarily involve which of the following?

Class C fires primarily involve live electrical equipment. These types of fires occur when electrical devices, wiring, or machinery are involved in combustion. The characteristic feature of Class C fires is that they can be extinguished safely only with extinguishing agents that do not conduct electricity, allowing for the safe handling of the fire without the risk of electric shock.

Using the correct type of extinguishing agent is crucial for Class C fires; water is not suitable as it is a conductor of electricity and can create a dangerous situation. Instead, extinguishers designated for Class C fires often use non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical agents, to effectively and safely put out the fire.

The other classifications refer to different types of materials involved in fires. Combustible metals, which fall under Class D fires, include materials that ignite at high temperatures and require specialized methods for extinguishing. Flammable liquids are classified as Class B fires and involve substances that vaporize and can ignite easily. Common combustibles, such as paper, wood, and cloth, are categorized under Class A fires. Each class has distinct extinguishing methods appropriate for their specific materials, highlighting the importance of recognizing the correct class of fire to effectively manage it.