Fire

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reacting products.

Types of Fire

Class A
Ordinary Combustibles:
wood, paper, cloth, trash and other ordinary materials.

Class B
Flammable Liquids & Gases:
gasoline, oils, paint lacquer and tar.

Class C
Fires involving live electrical equipment

Class D
Combustible metals or combustible metal alloys

Class K
Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media:
vegetable or animal oils and fats.

Fire Safety tips

1. Develop an emergency evacuation plan for your home. During a fire every second counts so it’s important that every member gets out of a burning building quickly. It’s also important to teach children to escape on their own if they have to.
2. Practise a fire drill with everyone in the family. Pay special attention to children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
3. Install smoke alarms. It is advised that a smoke alarm be placed in every room of the house. A smoke alarm is the only thing that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day. Smoke alarms are quite inexpensive and once working they greatly increase the chance of you surviving a deadly fire.
4. Conduct a fire-safety walkthrough on a regular basis.

  • Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
  • Keep items that can easily catch on fire at least three feet from stove burners.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Be sure stove and small appliances are off before going to bed or leaving home.
  • Check for worn wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
  • Do not overload electrical sockets.
  • Never leave cigarettes unattended and never smoke in bed.
  • Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.

What to do in the event of a fire?

  • Raise the alarm
  • Call the fire department
  • Cut off power supply
  • Attack the fire (if you have adequate equipment available and training)
  • Evacuate the building/facility
  • Assemble at your meeting spot and account for everyone

Historical Facts

  • November 7th 1863 – A Portuguese rum shop, burnt for 10 hours in St. Johns.
  • In 1991, Antigua experienced one of its most tragic events. Several homes were destroyed by fire in the Green Bay Hill area. A pregnant woman was burnt to death in one of the destroyed buildings. This is known as The King Obstinate fire.
  • 28th January, 1999 Her Majesty’s Prison, built in 1735, was almost burnt to the ground. Prisoners had to be evacuated from the burning prison.