What is the safest and surest way to extinguish a Class C fire?

To effectively extinguish a Class C fire, which involves electrical equipment, the safest method is to first turn off the power source. This is crucial because applying water or other extinguishing agents without de-energizing the electrical equipment can create hazardous conditions, including the risk of electrocution. Once the power has been turned off, the fire can be treated as a Class A or Class B fire, depending on the materials involved.

Handling a Class C fire in this manner allows firefighters to use the appropriate suppression method without the added danger of electrical shock or further energizing the fire. This systematic approach underscores the importance of safety and proper procedure in fire response operations.