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12/08/2025 • by Megan Downing
Knowing exactly what type of fire you are dealing with is crucial for ensuring you take the appropriate action and use the correct extinguisher.
In the UK, many tragedies have happened because people assumed any extinguisher could handle any fire. Sadly, that’s not the case. Using the wrong extinguisher – especially on gas fires – can make the flame grow in seconds. Turning a small scare into a life-or-death emergency…
In this expert guide, we’re breaking down exactly what Class C fires are, how they behave, and the smartest way to extinguish them – plus our top recommendations for Class C fire extinguishers to keep you safe.
A Class C fire is a fire involving flammable gases such as butane, propane, and other similar fuels. It is classified as “Class C” because the fuel source is in a gaseous state. These fires often start from leaks or releases in pressurised containers, pipelines, or equipment, and can spread rapidly once ignited.
A Class C fire falls under the category of gas-fuelled fires in the fire classification system. Unlike other classes that involve solids or liquids, these fires are sustained by combustible gases. Since gas can disperse quickly and ignite over a wide area, Class C fires are particularly hazardous – especially in confined spaces where there is the risk of powerful explosions.
The primary fuels in Class C fires are flammable gases. Common examples include propane, natural gas, butane, methane and hydrogen. These gases are often found in specific high-risk environments such as commercial kitchens, industrial processing plants, laboratories, and gas storage facilities, where leaks or equipment failures can quickly escalate into a Class C fire.
To extinguish a Class C fire, you must first shut off the gas supply to stop the fuel source. Once you’ve safely switched off the gas supply, you can use a Class C fire extinguisher. It is important to note that only Class C fire extinguishers are safe to use.
A Class C fire extinguisher is a extinguisher designed to support extinguishing a fire started from a flammable gas. Class C fire extinguishers include Dry Powder Extinguishers and Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers.
Dry Powder extinguishers are typically identifiable by a blue label or band. Clean agent fire extinguishers are typically identifiable by a green label or band.
To use a Class C fire extinguisher, follow these steps:
1. Pull the pin
2. Aim the Class C fire extinguisher at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Make a sweeping motion from side to side.
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