brandklasse

Brandklasse (fire class) is a term used in German-speaking fire safety to classify fires according to the primary fuel source. The classification guides firefighting strategies and determines which extinguishing agents are most effective. In practice, extinguishers, warning signs and risk assessments refer to Brandklasse to indicate the appropriate response.

The most common Brandklassen are A for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper and textiles; B for flammable liquids like petrol, solvents and alcohols; C for gases (and in some systems electrical fires are categorized separately as Class E); D for reactive metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium; and F for cooking fats and oils (also labeled K in some regions). Correctly identifying the class is essential to avoid fighting a fire with an ineffective or dangerous method (for example using water on oil fires).

Standards and practice: The Brandklasse system is reflected in national and European standards for fire extinguishers and safety labeling, including EN 2 and related national DIN norms in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Brands, products and building risk assessments may specify the Brandklasse of materials, and training programs teach personnel to select extinguishing agents accordingly. While the basic concept is widely shared, the exact class labeling and the recommended extinguishing method can vary by country or regulatory regime.