10/16/2026
FRIDAY FIRE MARSHAL’S TIPS
KNOW THE BASICS OF FIRE!
Understanding Fire Could Save Your Life!
This week’s Fire Marshal’s Tip focuses on understanding how fires start, what keeps them burning, and why knowing the different classes of fire is so important.
THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON, FOUR ELEMENTS OF FIRE
Did you know that fire requires FOUR essential elements to ignite and continue burning?
🔥 HEAT – Enough energy to raise a material to its ignition temperature.
💨 OXYGEN – Supports the combustion process.
🪵 FUEL – Any combustible material that can burn.
🔗 CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION – The process that sustains combustion.
💡 FIRE SAFETY FACT: Remove any ONE of these four elements, and the fire cannot continue to burn!
🧯 KNOW YOUR FIRE CLASSES!
Not all fires are the same, and using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make a dangerous situation even worse!
🟢 CLASS A – Ordinary Combustibles
Wood, paper, cardboard, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
🔴 CLASS B – Flammable Liquids
Gasoline, diesel, oil, grease, paint, and solvents.
🔵 CLASS C – Energized Electrical Equipment
Electrical panels, appliances, wiring, and other energized equipment.
🟡 CLASS D – Combustible Metals
Magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, and certain other metals.
⚫ CLASS K – Cooking Oils & Fats
High-temperature cooking oils and fats, particularly those used in commercial kitchens.
🚨 IMPORTANT FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS!
✅ Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher readily accessible and know how to use it.
✅ Check the extinguisher label to ensure it is rated for the type of fire involved.
✅ Never use water on burning cooking oils or energized electrical equipment.
✅ Remember the PASS Method when operating a fire extinguisher:
* P – Pull the pin.
* A – Aim at the base of the fire.
* S – Squeeze the handle.
* S – Sweep from side to side.
✅ Only attempt to extinguish a small, contained fire when you have a clear escape route and can do so safely.
🚨 WHEN IN DOUBT, GET OUT!
Your safety is always more important than saving property. If a fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke, or cannot be controlled immediately, evacuate the building, close doors behind you if possible, and call 911.
👨🚒 A MESSAGE FROM YOUR FIRE MARSHAL
Fire prevention begins with education. Understanding how fires start and knowing how to respond can make the difference between a minor incident and a devastating emergency.
Take a few minutes this weekend to check your home’s fire extinguishers, review your family’s escape plan, and make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.
Remember: The best fire is the one that never starts!
🔥 PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION AND PROTECTING LIVES AND PROPERTY!
Collinsville Fire Department
Fire Marshal’s Office | Station 71
